Bridgnorth Station

Station Buffet, mini-makeover

2012-01-23T00:26:00.002Z

The station buffet had to be closed for two weekends so that the kitchen could have some essential attention to its floor (new floor covering) and lower walls (steel sheeting).

So the opportunity was grabbed to refresh the public buffet during the enforced closure. A terrific team effort resulted in the transformation shown here.

A forum post written by Patrick http://forum.svra.org.uk/posting.php?mode=quote&p=31306&sid=5bcbf46ee8a94e01962381a910558834 describes the process, started on Saturday with the bulk of the repainting, and completed on Sunday with remainder of painting, followed by lots and lots of cleaning, and returning the furnishings.

All involved have been delighted with the outcome. We hope our visitors show their appreciation with increased trade!

Well done and thank you to all involved.

Wailing Wall's dynamic duo

2012-01-10T18:22:00.001Z

Today we were two, Colin and Robin were able to finish the final filling on the 'heritage coving' in the booking hall entrance. After lunch we applied another coat of matt emulsion to the coving and plaster ceiling rose.

Looking critically at the papered walls, they feel that one more coat of the 'wheatgrass emulsion' is still needed to finally complete the decoration of the entrance hall. This only leaves the question of the suitability of a single bulb pendant.

Following on from the bricklaying repair to the gas main piers from Saturday, the haunching around the pipe is now completely restored, and awaiting the ministrations of Peter (The Painter) next Saturday, weather permitting of course......

Loco yard End of Year Report

2012-01-09T17:40:00.004Z

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_4500_Class

The primary job being done by loco yard volunteers (OliH, Stewart, Adam, Hugh, Barry, Mike) on new year's eve Saturday was washing out GW 4566 and shunting it inside the shed, for it to be partially disassembled ready for repairs to be performed over the next couple of weeks.

To drop out the middle wheelset from the 45s frames we removed the connecting rods, brake rigging and relevant pipework underneath where the access was needed.

Removal of the external connecting rods involves a lot of metal pins - up to 2" diameter and up to 6" long, along with split pins securing the ends, all carefully labelled up, to make it all as
straightforward as possible to reassemble. In most cases the described process isn't nearly as simple as you would think, as almost every securing component is bearing weight, which
has to be eased partly or completely if there is to be any likelihood of it being removed.

The removal of pipework underneath the boiler is relatively simple with most of the job requiring the splitting of nuts and bolts. There can be little room underneath a loco boiler to move around in, and little space to use a socket ratchet and adjustable spanner. It gets tedious and
increasingly fiddly to operate a pair of long handled tools, especially if everything is covered in a layer of thick grease, grime and general crud. Best not to bang the head on lumps of metal whilst trying to get a glimpse of a stubborn nut on the other side of an eccentric beam. You learn not to move too fast when in a confined space after knocking your head enough times.

Once all brackets have been loosened off to allow sufficient movement, and all necessary pipe joints undone, then you work out how to extract the 12 foot long pipe which most likely is covered in a layer of grease.

Completing all this definitely results in a tea break being in order.
By this time it was going dark and so we started packing away. An excellent day's work.

Housekeeping

2012-01-07T23:20:00.000Z

Today, we were blessed with the 'Famous Five', those being Colin, Peter (The Painter), Dave (Beer Tokens), Geoff (The Aircraft) and moi.

At the commencement of operations, we removed the front and rear skirts from the buffet, just the sections either side covering the kitchen area. These were marked and removed for temporary storage on the cattle dock. Geoff also applied a second coat of 'Fenceguard' to the newly drilled additional ventilation holes around the skirt.

Geoff and Dave have started on the 'stocktaking/cataloguing of the workshop contents, as well as removing some bulky items to the 1000 compound.

In the booking hall, we have resited the 'Commercial' award plaque and the 82045 advertising board. The refurbished 6 x 4 noticeboard has been sited to the left of the shop entrance and looks well.

Later in the afternoon, Colin has rebuilt the support pier under the mains gas pipe following a slight mishap involving the JCB a week or two ago....

Finally, and not least we have taken the long overdue opportunity to sweep the shed floor....Housekeeping! Is there no end to these boys skills.......

by Robin the sweeper

Linchpins

2012-01-05T17:52:00.003Z

In his book 'Linchpin' Seth Godin describes these people who invent, lead (regardless of title), connect others, make things happen, and create order out of chaos. They find a shortcut that other miss, see a new way to resolve conflict, make a connection with someone others couldn't reach.

If this is the case, then maybe our railway needs to look out for these types in our (paid and volunteer) workforce, to encourage them to use these invaluable abilities, which are described in the book as
1. providing a unique interface between members of the organisation
2. delivering unique creativity
3. managing a situation of great complexity
4. leading customers
5. inspiring staff
6. providing deep domain knowledge
7. possessing a unique talent

We should welcome linchpins to contribute and develop the attributes that make them such, and encourage them to get a lot better at their unique talent.

Special places in special times need special people.

festive finish

2012-01-03T10:11:00.005Z

Peace descends on the station, with the end of the festive service and all the
running locos home for winter storage. Noticeable how quiet the bar was in the evening - especially when a certain few (no names...) had departed. Aah, peace..

So good to have completed the footpath relaying - an excellent team effort by our wailing wall construction company plc (pretty limited craftsmen) and associates. Now for some paint finishing on bollards and edging stones, some replanting, gravel topping up, trench digging for new cables.. The 'new' footpath looks quite magnificent and has been well complimented
already.

Making an entrance

2011-11-25T12:09:00.002Z

The Wailing Wall Construction Company's current outdoor project is the refit of the frontage brick pathway around the main station building.

The bricks are being lifted, cleaned and relaid at a high level to provide a safe walking route, protected from vehicles. It is all looking very smart and enormously improving the 'first impression' for visitors.

The plan is to focus on this project to enable relaying of the footpath right along the front of the building, to get it completed before winter cold weather hits.

Dry weather like today will help us carry on the excellent progress, and the local forecast looks good.

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Christmas Eve is a month away...

2011-11-24T13:05:00.005Z

... and Santa needs some help. If you can spare a December Saturday or Sunday, please get in touch.

Pushchair monitors

To see that the bugges go from the passengers to the pushchair area, do not delay passengers doing into front of house (which causes delay further down) and go back to the rightful passengers when they have been through the grotto. The passengers and buggies have bands on so you can match them up.

Ticket checkers

Make sure that as the passengers get to the front of the line their tickets are checked and Front of House are told the party size. They also help by moving large parties to the side sometimes when we need to organise which way down the grotto maze they are going to go.

Corridor elves

Helping to move people through the grotto corridors on the way to see the big man. It involves making sure that you assist in the flow of people by listening to what is going on so you can direct people the right way down the corridors at the right time. This role can make a real impact on the length of time people wait. Training is given and new elves start at the easier locations. It takes about 10 people per day for this part of the operation alone and on some days the roster shows only half that.

Present deliverers

It is vital the keep the present boxes topped up. There is a buzzer that the big man uses to tell the present deliverers when he needs a top up. The role involves filling mailbags with either soft or hard pressies and delivering them when the buzzer goes off to the right place. Normally there are at least 4 or so for this role each day.

Great fun, good camaraderie, great atmosphere, good on your CV!

Get in touch if you can spare us a day or more.

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Open Meeting - redevelopment plans

2011-11-23T13:55:00.004Z

On Saturday 4.30-6.30pm there will be an open meeting in the station buffet.

We'll learn about the plans for the redevelopment of the site and constructive ideas will be welcomed.

If you can't make it but would like to raise questions, let us know.

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Wailing Wall Sept: Tuesday 20

2011-09-20T17:13:00.003+01:00

As promised, the new 'Tickets & Trains' sign is now in situ, and even if I do say it myself, it looks well in keeping with our 'heritage' brief...

Elsewhere, we have replaced the broken top rail of the Railwayman's Arms sign in the lower car park, and applied a coat of white primer to the new wood.

We have finally managed to erect the large gazebo over the picnic tables outside the buffet. It has been tied down and weighted with brake blocks, so hopefully it will remain for the duration of the weekend.

We have made a temporary repair to the damaged fourth step of the footbridge on platform 2. It appears that a new hardwood step will be required when finances permit.

Those present today were Colin, Alan (The Cricket), Adam, and yours truly. An early day was had by all, after repeated soakings due to the typical British summer weather.

reporting by Robin

Wailing Wall Sept Saturday 17

2011-09-18T09:31:00.005+01:00

Today, Geoff (The Aircraft) was engaged in spot filling the screw holes with white gloss on the new Tickets & Strains sign. Despite our best intentions, other jobs prevented this sign finally being fixed in place. Apologies for this, as you will learn later.

During the morning, Colin (The Fireman) and I were asked to assist Bob (The Money) in setting into the ground two 16ft steel I beams at the edge of the road past the ash pile. Fortunately, Bob had already dug the hole, which was 4'6" deep. After considerable manoeuvring with the JCB, both beams were positioned and finally locked into position with plenty of concrete.

After lunch we were instrumental in erecting all of the walls of the new shed for the 82045 boys, on the concrete pad previously laid by the Wailing Wall some time ago.

Sadly, the roof could not be fixed, as the requisite J bolts were not delivered with the rest of the shed...

reporting by Robin (The Manoeuvrer)

Wailing Wall Sept - Tues 13

2011-09-17T11:56:00.001+01:00

Today's attendance was Colin (The Fireman), Alan (The Cricket) and Adam (The Butterfly Boy), and of course, yours truly.

This morning, Alan got on and completed the construction of yet another waste bin surround. This now only requires a second coat of Fenceguard before it enters service.

Adam was variously engaged in pallet wood recovery from the cattle dock.

Brian (The Gnome) joined us to screw the resin letters to the Tickets & Trains sign. We hope to get this installed on Saturday, in time for the gala weekend.

Colin and I have manufactured another three sections of heritage coving for the booking hall porch, leaving only four more sections before we have enough in stock to install during the mid-week non running period in early October.

reported by Robin (The Smoother)

Wailing Wall Sept - Sat 10

2011-09-17T11:48:00.002+01:00

Today, Colin and I were joined by Dave (Beer Tokens) and Chalkie (The Fat Controller).

First thing, I arranged for Frank (The Singer) to bring the JCB round to collect eight pallets and seven large cable drums, that had kindly been donated by the electrical wholesaler at the bottom of the drive. That should keep those loco boys happy for a few more days.

Dave was busy de-nailing more pallet wood for use on the remaining waste bin surrounds.

Colin spent a good part of the morning preparing to cast some more heritage coving in plaster of Paris.

Chalkie has started to re-arrange the shelving in our workshop to accommodate a steel filing cabinet kindly donated by Phil (The Driver).

Whilst all this was going on, I donned my other hat and very orange hi-viz jacket, to conduct the latest group of 14 volunteers around the loco department. Apparently, most found this very informative and interesting, which is just as well, really...

After lunch, the plaster work continued. At close of play, two more 8ft sections had been completed.

Chalkie's re-arranging was still happening.

Finally, to round off the day, the FINAL coat of black gloss was applied to the back of the new Tickets & Trains sign. If Brian (The Gnome) remembers his computer drawings on Tuesday, we can affix the resin letters, and finally get it fixed in position prior to the gala weekend. Now wouldn't that be nice to see, to see it nice, as a certain Knight of the realm puts it.

reported by Robin (The Arranger)

Wailing Wall September wk1

2011-09-17T11:37:00.002+01:00

reported 3 September

Apparently, there was some sort of model railway gathering going on in Telford. As a consequence, only Colin (The Fireman) and yours truly were available to carry on with vital infrastructure repairs. However, between us we managed to complete the ceiling in the reinstated retail stock room.

The next job we shall be tackling will be the manufacture of the plaster of Paris cornice sections to complete the booking hall entrance porch. It is important that these items are completed prior to the onset of cold and possibly frosty weather. Apart from any other considerations, this will finally complete the project. Chalkie (The Fat Controller) says we must take stock of the started, but as yet uncompleted, jobs. I totally concur, hence the operation outlined.

reported by Robin (The Concurrer)

reported 6 September

Today, Alan (The Cricket) and I gave the newly completed reinstated retail stock room ceiling a coat of brilliant white emulsion. Even if I do say it myself, this room is looking better each time I visit. Perhaps a certain lady will concur... who knows?

Colin (The Fireman) and Alan (Severn Trent) were not available to attend. However, Adam (The Boy) made his entrance to proceedings at 11.00 hrs; perhaps he'll become a stockbroker, keeping this sort of hours...

The scruffy Severn Valley Railway sign at the lower car park entrance has been removed, as agreed following info via Adam. However, the posts are still in situ.

Whilst we were down the driveway, I took the opportunity to acquire some more pallets and heavy cable drums from the electrical wholesaler. I have agreed that we will collect them with the JCB on Saturday morning, giving us first refusal, before handing the surplus to the MPD boys.

With assistance from Adam, I have built a new frame for one of the tatty car park sign A boards; Adam later started the paint job on this by applying white wood primer.

This afternoon, Alan and I have 75% completed another bin surround. Hopefully, this will be finished and placed in service on Saturday.

Colin and I are hoping to commence further production of the plaster of Paris coving sections on Saturday, in order to avoid the really cold weather, and to have them available for fixing as soon as mid-week running ceases.

reported by Robin (The Acquirer)

August in the Wailing Wall wk4

2011-09-17T11:24:00.002+01:00

reported 27 August

You know what they say about the 'road to hell' etc. Well, as you may have guessed, today was no different. Having purchased the materials in readiness to deal with the insulation and ceiling in the stock room, all of a sudden it comes to light that the area in front of the bar cellar has been waiting for months despite, apparently, some of the powers-that-be being advised as to the urgency of this much-overdue repair.

I am also advised that the situation could have caused the station's supply of Bathams to be curtailed severely or even stopped altogether! Now that would never do, I hear you cry, as I am sure many others would have done if such a disaster had befallen our watering hole.

End of mild rant on this subject. Needless to say, the previously offending concrete has been forcefully removed with the kango, and all the ballast and cement purchased was used to create a totally new, and - need I say - reinforced, surface which we trust will satisfy the various brewers' draymen, especially those from Bathams.

For the record, those involved were Dave (Bambi) with the JCB, Geoff (The Aircraft), Chalkie (Fat Controller), Colin (The Fireman), and of course, yours truly.

Elsewhere, Peter (The Painter) continues his ministrations on the new booking hall entrance window.

I have also to report that Brenda (Mrs Aircraft) says she is very impressed with our prompt attention to the coach B digilock. We aim to please, as they say.

I also managed to get the second top coat of white gloss on the new Tickets & Trains sign, and the lettering was also second top coated by Geoff (The Aircraft).

All in all, it was a very successful day, despite the unwanted attention of a number of shower clouds throughout the day. Naturally, we are hoping for a dry night to allow our concrete to set, together with the wish that no drunken reveller stamps in it before it is sufficiently cured.

report by Robin (The Mild Ranter)

reported 30 August

Today, Colin (The Fireman) and Alan (Severn Trent) spent part of the morning reinstating the cover over the water main stop cock outside The Gnomery, or as we know it, the pattern shop.

Speaking of Gnomes, Brian (The Pontificator) applied a final white gloss top coat to the back of the new Tickets & Trains sign. This now only requires the final black gloss top coat to be applied, before the lettering is affixed, and the sign put into place. AT LAST.

After lunch, all five of our crew, ie the two Alans, Colin and myself, and Adam (The Boy) spent until 17.45 hrs insulating and lining the ceiling of the reinstated retail stock room. Hopefully, the ceiling will be finished on Saturday.

Elsewhere, our efforts last Saturday in relaying the concrete apron outside the pub's beer cellar have been much appreciated by Eric (The Smiler) and, hopefully, the Bathams draymen who got their first view during today's delivery.

I also taped up a cracked compartment door window in the LMS set prior to departure of the first train of the day. Apparently Hugh (The Carriage) was aware of the problem and has repairs in hand.

reported by Robin (The Crack Repairer)

August in the WW wk3

2011-09-16T12:30:00.002+01:00

reported 20 August

We at the Wailing Wall take 'Elf and Safetea' very seriously. Accordingly, today, we have spent a good portion of our valuable time, dismantling old Dexion shelving and replacing it with a steel cupboard, kindly supplied by Phil (The GPO). This new cupboard now holds our supply of paints and other flammable liquids, as required by HSE etc.

During this operation, we were asked to look into the provision of a length of corrugated flexible plastic piping, which was required to form an access point to a stop cock on one of the water feeds to the loco dept. Chris (The ASM/Director) did manage to find a large clay pipe, which was unfortunately deemed not viable. However, Bob (The Sterns Cottage resident) managed to secure a suitable length of plastic, which we will hopefully fit on Tuesday.

During the day, Arthur (The ICI Walker) was instrumental in removing much surplus materials to the metal skip, and timber to the loco wood store, despite frequent interruptions from The Pattern Shop Gnome.

Peter (The Painter) has continued his good work on the booking hall replacement window frame. Whilst Colin (The Fireman) had a short day due to a pressing engagement allegedly concerning much imbibing of the serious falling down water back home...

reported by Robin (The Dismantler)

reported 23 August

Contrary to the weather forecast, we had a full and productive day. We have finally finished and placed into service the much talked about latest bin surround. Only three to go.

The roof of the end room has now been part coated in its final black gloss finish, due to a combined effort from Colin (The Fireman), Adam (The Boy), and of course, yours truly.

Earlier in the day, Colin and Alan (Severn Trent) finished the repair to the water main outside the Pattern Shop - or, as it is soon to be known, 'The Gnomery' .. tee hee.

After completing the bin surround, I was able to apply the first of two coats of white gloss to the framing of the new Tickets & Trains sign, and also managed a first coat, also of white gloss, to the resin letters of the sign.

During the morning, Alan (The Cricket) provided more pallet wood for the completion of the latest bin surround.

At lunchtime, Alan (The Cricket) and I were asked to attend a dangerous step on the internal staircase of the signal box. This involved removing a damaged cast 'non slip' stair tread and rotating it by 180 degrees. Considerable force was required to unscrew the offending part but, as is the way with these things, the Wailing Wall prevailed. Just goes to show that all our mantra signs do ring true in the final analysis. I speak of course of the WWCC legend, 'impossibilities we do at once', etc and, naturally, the 'Elf & Safetea' notiss.

Speaking of the Elf & Safetea notiss, today we had an enquiry from a member of the public, asking if we sold copies of the E&F notiss, as this lady's sister actually works for the HSE. Apparently the sister is going to come to the railway herself, to enjoy our humour first hand. I expect our fame will be global in a matter of days... Sounds like the Wailing Wall may have struck again...

We have today purchased on account from Jewson's two 8'x'4' sheets of thin plywood, together with two sheets of 50mm polystyrene foam, to start the insulation of the newly recreated stock room. These items are now in the store, under one of the WWCC's padlocks, until Saturday.

Now we need a large bag of sand and gravel (ballast) from William Williams, together with four bags of ordinary portland cement, in order that we can get started on replacing the concrete above the cellar drop in the Railway's Arms ASAP.

reported by Robin (The legend)

August in the WWCC wk2

2011-09-16T11:22:00.002+01:00

reporting 13 August

Today Colin (The Fireman) and I inspected the new concrete floor in the end room store. It was decided that a few more days would be required before we all people in; consequently we have left it locked until next Tuesday. We must tell them to 'mind the step'.

Later in the morning, Colin successfully dealt with a water leak on the underground pipework which feeds the floral arrangements. I am sure Mrs Malyon will be very pleased.

Peter (The Painter) spend most of the morning working on the finishing coat of white gloss on the 'new' booking hall entrance window. His last effort was to apply a finish coat to the target for the new security gate into the yard.

Meanwhile I continued preparing more timber, in order that we can eventually 'knock up' [craft] the remaining four waste bin surrounds. As a matter of interest, apparently our design has been put forward to staff at the North Yorks Moors Railway. So just maybe our design technology may be spreading to other railway establishments. I know it's not global, but we all have to start somewhere.

Blair Chisholm has bent four lumps of steel bar to allow another lamp to be attached to the station building, after they have received suitable paint treatment.

Chris (The Shunter/ASM/Director) has applied a further top coat to the lamp which was awaiting the steel brackets.

This afternoon, Colin and I have finished repairing the concrete slope at the base of the wall at the entrance to the yard. My only worry is that the local glitterati may try to adopt this area for their skateboarding activities. Let's hope not; I don't want any blood on our large concrete slab in front of the new security gate.

Phil (The GPO) has welded five lengths of boiler tube to create a safety rail for the accommodation coach B, which is required by Elf and Safetea, to prevent the residents from falling from the top of the steps in times of emergency or any other alcohol related incapacity. This construction has already received a coat of red oxide primer, prior to its final black top coat.

Finally, the 82045 boys will be using our 110v supply this week to drill more than 140 holes in the frames to fit more components; just another example of inter-departmental co-operation.

My latest 'Elf and Safetea' sign has been very well received, especially by our many visitors who come by coach. I have to say many have gone away with a smile on their faces, not to mention a photograph on their cameras and mobile phones. As the show business adage says, always leave 'em laughing ... boom boom ...

reporting by Robin (The Carpenter)

reporting 16 August

Today we have had a most productive day, with the following having been achieved:

Another waste bin surround is 75% finished and Fenceguarded; it now only requires the top edging and a door to be complete, leaving only three more to make - unless they are mating out of sight of the public - who knows?

The new 'Tickets and Trains' board has received a first top coat of black gloss. The front was painted by Brian (The Pattern Shop Gnome), the coat on the back being applied by yours truly later in the afternoon. The Gnome says he will start the white top coating round the framing on Saturday. I can hardly wait, but we all have our little cross in life to bear...

The new coach B fire exit guard rail has had two top coats of black gloss applied, the first by Adam (The Boy), and the second again by yours truly. No wonder I got made redundant on the Forth Bridge (joke)...

New digilock supplied and fitted with help from Adam to accommodation coach B. An aide memoire as to its future use was applied to the coach side next to the door, just to save it being abused in the future.

Colin (The Fireman) and Alan (Severn Trent) spent the day locating a serious leak in the main outside the pattern shop. Unfortunately they were unable to cure the problem, but the leak was located to allow outside contractors to repair it tomorrow. Hopefully our efforts will save on the contractor's invoice - well we can hope, can't we?

Alan (The Cricket) continued to dismantle pallets for the waste bin surround production.

Later Alan spent some time screwing down the steel mesh on the footbridge, which had started to rise, causing a possible trip hazard. Contrary to popular belief, the WWCC does do 'Elf and Safetea'.

My new Elf and Safetea board outside our office continues to be very well received by the public.

Finally the 82045 boys have been supplied with a 110v supply to enable them to drill the frames to attach the newly constructed smokebox saddle. Just another example of inter-departmental co-operation ... nice.

reporting by Robin (The redundant painter)

August in the Wailing Wall - wk 1

2011-09-16T11:08:00.002+01:00

Catch up time ... a month's worth of work in the WWCC - first week

reported 7 August

Today we completed the two coats of Fenceguard on the latest waste bin surrounds, courtesy of Geoff (The Aircraft). These have now been immediately pressed into service, one next to the picnic tables at the station buffet, and the other next to the south side of the footbridge on platform 1.

Colin (The Fireman) has removed the brick flooring in the end room store, prior to laying a dpc and a concrete screed to level the floor, in order that this room can revert to commercial use.

We also made a start at preparing the timber towards the construction of the final four waste bin surrounds; we are hopeful that this mammoth task will be completed in about two more weeks.

And Peter (The Painter) has finally started to top coat the new window we fitted in the booking office entrance some months ago.

by Robin (The Carpenter)

reported 9 August

Today I have to report that the WW came to the rescue of a damsel in serious distress. It transpires that a certain lady booking clerk, who shall be and remain nameless, managed to insert the wrong key into the newly replaced booking office door, when I say newly, I mean not two hours before. Suffice to say all's well that ended well, and least said soonest mended.

Elsewhere on the estate, the WWCC has completed the laying of a new concrete floor in the end room store. Firstly the old brick floor was completely removed, then the oversite was blinded in with sharp sand, and a damp proof membrane was then laid, which was finally covered in a smooth finished concrete screed.

Those involved today were Colin (The Fireman) on the shovel and trowel, Alan (Severn Trent) on the mixer and wheelbarrow, and Adam (The Boy) was heavily involved in many trips with the wheelbarrow, to and from our cattle dock compound. At this stage we will not mention his little mishap turning the mixer.

Naturally someone had to be there in a supervisory capacity, and I guess that would have been yours truly, living up to the mantra of 'we don't do perfect', except in this case we excelled ourselves as you will see when the new floor is officially opened on Saturday. (As they said in the sixties, 'be there or be square').

report by Robin (The Supervisor)

where's tha bin

2011-08-02T20:16:00.003+01:00

Wailing Wall CC have had another busy Tuesday, though Alan (The Cricket) has taken two weeks annual leave! Let's just hope the Test side carry on in the current good form. Robin reports..

Today Alan (Severn Trent) and I have manufactured TWO waste bin surrounds.

[ED They are crafted (aka knocked together) from those pallets above, acquired for free on collection from people wanting to get rid for free - and we always need more... back to you, Robin]

They now only require the ministrations of DaveL to apply two coats of Fenceguard on Saturday, and then they are ready for launch.

In addition, I have applied the first coat of brilliant white gloss to the new Tickets & Trains signage edging. Hopefully, weather permitting, we can get the second coat done on Saturday. This will only leave the gloss black background, and the rear of the sign, to complete.

Voila - the completed bin surrounds, awaiting their finishing coats.

Adam was kept occupied dismantling pallets, followed by working on platform 2 running in board. His injury was sustained without his apparent knowledge(!). I am fully confident that he will survive...

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk - newcomers always welcome.

Wood you believe it

2011-07-31T18:58:00.003+01:00

Wailing Wall CC had a busy very productive Saturday. Robin reports..

With some assistance from Dave L, the waste basket surround has now been completed, and has already entered service.

Geoff M has applied a second coat of white wood primer to the new 'Tickets and Trains' signage, taking advantage of the fine weather. He was also able to apply a first coat of dark undercoat, leaving a second undercoat and two top coats to be applied. All this means that, hopefully, the new sign can be installed within two weeks, in plenty of time for the Autumn Gala.

Meanwhile, I was able to assist Phil B with further restoration of the Lister truck. This particular item seems to be attracting considerable interest from the passing punters, and all in all it looks like being a very useful addition to the station.

Why not join the Wailing Wall Construction Company PLC (pretty limited craftsmen)? We're a very friendly bunch, and welcome newcomers of all skill levels, Tuesdays and Saturdays.

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk for more info

WWCC Tuesday gang

2011-07-26T20:12:00.004+01:00

Wailing Wall Construction Company (WWCC) plc (pretty limited craftsmen) had a good day today in the sunshine. Robin reports...

Colin was welcomed, and his appearance enabled the completion of the cement fillit on the tin roof of the porter's room. It will need painting with either white stone paint or possibly black bitumastic, just to ensure a watertight seal. After this is done, WWCC can dress back the flashing, and finally give the whole roof a coat of black paint, as prescribed by the 'heritage mafia'.

They completed another waste basket surround, and are going to give it another coat of fence guard before releasing it 'into traffic'. A job for Dave on Saturday?

And Adam has been gamefully employed applying two coats of wood primer to the new Tickets and Trains noticeboard.

This leaves just six more surrounds to construct - anyone know of some pallets going cheap (ie free!)? Please let us know.

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

station festival

2011-06-16T11:59:00.005+01:00

11-12 June was the station festival, to commemorate 150 years since there was a licensed bar on the site.

Saturday was great - good weather, lots to see. Sunday we had washout with constant heavy rain and the consequent absence of visitors.

In the yard we had the PW 6-ton steam crane doing lifting demos. Catch Me Who Can was in steam and so operating albeit stationary.

Platform 2 had a display of brilliant miniature stationary engines, courtesy of Charlotte's parents, and they (the engines) included many weird and wonderful movements of which the more you looked at them, the more you wondered how they actually managed to do what they did! Charlotte's dad (must get his name!) was more than willing to explain how each worked, plus a little history of what they would have been used for. We'll follow up on this with a separate post.

On the car park there was a huge display, with running tracks, from the fab Wolverhampton Model Engineering Society, with a range of five and seven-and-a-quarter inch gauge live steam locos, going back and forth along the portable track, and giving rides to lots of VERY happy visitors. That's when they could get the SVR volunteers off(!)

Amongst the display were several narrow gauge representations, a GW 2-6-0 mogul, and two 14xx's, and a five-inch Canadian 4-4-0 tender engine. There was also a working representation in green livery of our own saddle tank 1501, which gave a great idea of what ours will look like finished.

Certain MPD staff were hard to prise off the locos, and the whole display certainly drew the crowds, visitor and staff!

Sadly, Sunday was an absolute wash-out. After bringing the velocipede on-track from Eardington, it unfortunately spent the day in the carriage siding unusable in the rain. It had been planned to run it in the siding so that have-a-go could continue away from the passenger lines. But the weather had other plans!

Visitors who came on Saturday had a terrific day; those who had planned to, or came on Sunday were sadly disappointed by the restrictions that the weather imposed. And the organising volunteers were gutted (especially when the forecast continuation into the week of wet weather did not materialise...) after all the efforts for the whole weekend.

But it was agreed by all involved that it had been well worth organising, and definitely deserved a repeat performance. Current thinking is for an August weekend event (who knows, maybe good weather?) to capture the school holiday market.

All views welcome!

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

4566, Thursday 9 June

2011-06-14T19:51:00.003+01:00

ChrisM, AdamT and AdrianT got down to working on 4566's injectors. Specifically the steam pipe that effectively allows the injector to operate the way it does is bolted on at each end with a gasket in between where the two ends at the pipe joint to the next component. In this case the steam delivery pipe from the boiler and the actual body of both left and right injectors. The task involved loosening and removing the four bolts that held each of the pipe end joints together and removing and replacing with a new one a thin card-like gasket which acts like a seal between the joint to contain the steam within and make the joint airtight. This process was repeated four times on each end of both left hand and right hand steam delivery pipes.
Also done today, the 45's right hand connecting rods were refitted with the direction of one of the MPD paid staff. Hopefully the left hand connecting rods will follow tomorrow in similar fashion.

Friday we completed replacing the gaskets on 4566's injector steam pipes. This now gives 4566 a tight seal around all of its injector steam pipe joints so hopefully they won't leak.

We did the hugely interesting job of digging out the corners of the 45's bunker to loosen up many years of compacted slack which we piled up in the middle of the bunker behind the bunker door.

Later Chris and Adam helped one of the paid staff, Mark, with lifting up and fitting 45's left hand connecting rods which was made a lot easier by there being four of us. That job was completed without a hitch and 4566 now has both of its connecting rod sets back in the wheels.

Much later after lunch we changed two vacuum bags from the rear of 5164 and the front from 4566 where the bag had been rubbing against the shackle creating a weakness. This created two bags which would need to be repaired at a later date. The day was drawn to a close by the late afternoon rain.

Station Festival

2011-06-09T13:51:00.006+01:00

The 150th anniversary of the Railwayman's Arms is being celebrated with a Bridgnorth Station Festival on Saturday-Sunday 11-12 June.

Attractions include

Seven-and-a-quarter and five-inch scale locos, courtesy of the Wolverhampton MES.

On Saturday, the PW 6 ton crane is on demo

loads of cleaning

2011-06-06T15:33:00.003+01:00

Saturday 4 June began with the cleaning of 43106 The Flying Pig as the Bridgnorth service engine.
We had a very impressive turnout of cleaners, including several un-rostered hands, making up to a total of TEN cleaners present - all mucking in with cleaning up the loco ready for the day.

The outside of the engine was clean and polished by about 8am, which gave some extra time to clean areas that often do not get much attention, including a thorough clean of the cab roof.

Once the engine had gone off shed, OliHux and StuartS started on applying GW light stone paint to the upper tower and boom of the yard water column using the scaffolding tower.

MelW, JamesN and DavidE got working on cleaning and rubbing down the journals of 1501's wheelset and touching paintwork around the wheels with chassis black gloss.

AdamT and RichardM continued painting up 813 wheels in an attempt to get them all into first topcoat by the end of the weekend. One wheel was an exception as it still had to go into second layer undercoat.

A small group of volunteers meanwhile were occupied outside helping to move along 7812's washout process.

The need for 7812's washout and a tender bearing problem on 46443 prevented both engines from being in service this weekend. We shall hopefully see them both back in traffic by next weekend.

Nearing the end of the day a very enthusiastic but determined group of cleaners undertook to replace the gaskets on both of 4566's injector steam valves. Helping with this were cleaners HughS, AdamT, MikeW, RichardM and PaulJ. Despite several problems including bolts refusing to go back in, the task was completed inside of quite impressive time constraints.

weekend weather

2011-05-18T14:55:00.002+01:00

Saturday 14th was reasonably busy on the platform, despite the persistent change in weather throughout the day. There were intermittent rain showers and a couple of particularly heavy downpours.
Due to the availability of motive power, two of the services were hauled by diesels, one by class 20 and the other by class 50.
The two steam locos were 7812 off Bridgnorth and 5164 off Bewdley, with 46443 doing the footplate experience.
Availability of motive power will be sufficient tomorrow as additional engines 46443 and 44821 will be in service.

Sunday 15th was highlighted with the arrival of the two black 5s visiting for the 60s special weekend. 44821 today was being used to haul the dining service off Kidderminster, with 45407 spare in the yard at Bridgnorth.
Weather was much better today, being generally cooler and only a few light showers.

Diesel

2011-05-02T20:51:00.003+01:00

Saturday 30 April - day began with cleaning 7812 ready for service. Andy, Hugh, Adam, Oliver S, Phil.

Service engine was class 20 diesel for the first half of the day, due to a failure of 4566.

Later on, dismantling of 4566 front running plate, began to remove front sections beyond the cylinder valve covers. These needed removing so that the valves could be accessed and removed to be repaired and serviced. This took up most of the day.

Oliver and Adam were linishing down to bare metal of the first wheel of the set for 1501 ready to go into first coat of primer.

The surface of the wheels on the outside need to be completely clean and smooth to allow the painting to work properly and look most effective, plus lasting longer on the metalwork.

After 7812 was moved off the big external pit, ash was dug out from where 7812 had emptied its ashpan the previous disposal.

Some cleaning work was done on 43106 in preparation for return to traffic in a few weeks time after the piston rod and cover replacement has been completed, carried out by Andy, Oliver and others.

End of day, 7812 disposed and left on the big pit road (road 5) ready for next day's running.

Adam

Easter Holiday week in the MPD

2011-04-29T15:39:00.002+01:00

First week of the school Easter holiday - where better to be but the MPD.

Tuesday (12th)

Started off by cleaning 4566 ready to run the Bridgnorth service train. During the morning moved loco parts from inside the machine shop and into containers. Throughout the day helped run round and water all service engines. After lunch cleaned out the big pit of loco ash and other debris, as well as the large pit sump. Disposal of 4566 after return from last round trip.

Thursday (14th)

Cleaned 4566 around the brass work, polishing boiler barrel, blackening the smoke box and cleaning the buffer beams. During the morning cleaned out the big pit again and removed 4566's ash from previous day and cleaned up oil spills. Following coal delivery, trimmed down coal pile to remove coal overflow from road side of pile to inside of compound. Throughout the day watering service engines and helping on run round. Cleaned out small pit sump to remove any remaining muck from after the weekend. Disposed 4566 after carriage shunt following return from last round trip.

Friday (15th)

During the early morning cleaned 4566 brass work and boiler barrel up to clean and shiny finish. Buffer beams and connecting rods were not done today as they were still in good condition from the cleaning the previous days. After 4566 went off shed, the big pit was emptied of firebox ash and cleaned down with the pressure hose.
During the late morning the second coat of primer was added to the areas on the left side 1501 outside of the chassis that had been touched up. After this a second coat of black undercoat was applied to the rear inner section of the chassis ready for the first coat of chassis black topcoat to be applied at a later time. Throughout the day watering of the service engines and assistance with all of the run rounds.

Saturday (16th)

During the morning 7812 Erlestoke Manor was thoroughly cleaned ready for return to active service hopefully by Thursday this week (21st). Visitors from the Junior Club also helped out with this, doing a very good cleaning job with the tender chassis and lower paintwork. During the afternoon cleaning on 46443 was done ready for it to be returned to service the following week/weekend. However its return to service was pulled forward on Sunday caused by the withdrawal from service of 42968 with repairs required on a leaking regulator gland. This will be back in service by next weekend if not some time during the week.
Later in the afternoon a first coat of black undercoat was applied to 1501's left chassis side over the primer patches. Service engine during the week will be 4566 up to Wednesday with the hopeful return of 7812 into active service by Wednesday afternoon acting as Bridgnorth service engine Thursday and Friday.

Unfortunately, the second week of the Easter hols I had to catch up on domestic chores and earn a bit more money!

written by Adam Thomas (BH MPD/STN)

The Wailing Wall Construction Company PLC

2011-04-21T12:01:00.004+01:00

Very occasional newsletter no 1 - April 2011

The Wailing Wall Construction Company PLC is a loose collection of Bridgnorth volunteers who, over the years, have been responsible for many maintenance jobs around the site.

The PLC reference comes from a humorous poem by one of the members, who described this assembly as 'Pretty Limited Craftsmen'.

These 'skills' include plumbing and electrical work, fencing, carpentry, concreting, bricklaying, together with limited involvement in paint scraping and general decoration.

One of our recent projects was the creation of partitioning to provide a secure environment for the Booking Office. Included in this work was the provision of a 'new' heritage door, and the manufacture of new plaster coving to match the original.

During this refurbishment, the opportunity was taken to tidy up and conceal a myriad of various telephone and alarm system cabling. This has given the Booking Hall a much tidier and greater period appearance.

This look was completed with the supply and fitting of three large glass globe pendant fittings, which were greatly appreciated by the various booking clerks.

In the Yard entrance, we have supplied and planted flower boxes. These sit either side of two station benches, against the stone wall. These have proved very popular with our visitors, who enter our site over the level crossing from the overflow car park.

Visitors can sit and view the progress of the construction of the Standard 3 Tank 82045. The frames for this new build stand on a 40' x 8' reinforced concrete base, which although paid for by the loco builders, was excavated, shuttered and laid by the Wailing Wall, very early on a Saturday morning in the pouring rain. They say the sun shines on the righteous - I'm not quite sure what it says about us!

Before Christmas, the Wailing Wall were asked to create another concrete extension, including 240v mains supply, to the loco base for the provision of a storage shed for the project. We are currently waiting for the shed to arrive, before we get involved in its erection.

The space now occupied by the 82045 project was, for years, filled with various huge lumps of metal, which by all accounts had been sitting there rusting and waiting for someone to finally make a decision on their disposal.

Having got this site right down to the level crossing cleared, the Wailing Wall created a long section of picket fencing (from recovered pallet wood) to create a safe and attractive viewing area for our visitors to watch locos running round across the crossing.

This area proved to be incredibly popular when 60163 Tornado visited; it was noted that visitors were 10 deep to watch this particular spectacle.

Many visitors, expecially those arriving by coach, have commented on our amusing signage outside our 'office'. In our own small way, we like to see a smile on their faces, even before they have had refreshments or a train ride - preferably both.

Elsewhere, the Wailing Wall has vastly extended the 'in house' airline system in the Machine Shop, a move which is greatly appreciated by the full time engineering staff.

Recently, our members have been heavily involved in the complete refurbishment of the station entrance into the Booking Hall. A complete new window and glazing was required to the right hand elevation. It has to be said that the original window was not so much removed, more likely it actually fell to pieces in our hands. The timber was so rotten that even the loco boys were not keen to accept it for lighting up purposes.

Considerable time and effort has produced a very acceptable level of 'heritage' atmosphere, which probably most of our visitors miss in their haste to purchase tickets and visit the Gift Shop - nevertheless, the 'heritage' people seemed pleased with our efforts.

Over the winter many of the station benches have received attention, including replacement boards in hardwood, and receiving a minimum of five coats of paint.

Over the past few weeks, we have been engaged in replacing the 'skirt' boards round the base of the Station Buffet. Although this building is long overdue for replacement itself, it is quite amazing how the newly black gloss painted boards give this sorry building a much-needed boost. Together with the addition of flower troughs around the picnic tables, and the newly constructed outer casings around the litter bins, we hope it is far more appealing to our visitors.

Elsewhere, the new replacement station lighting is nearing completion - this, though an expensive procedure, does create the desired ambience and, at the same time, considerably cuts down the energy bill by the use of low energy bulbs.

by Robin Pearson
WWCC PLC

Car Park

2011-04-13T17:50:00.002+01:00

Car parking at Bridgnorth has long been a bit of a problem. The entrance to the site is rather - how shall we say - uninviting? There has been some discussion by the Bridgnorth Redevelopment Project team on this subject. Hence, in an effort to reduce (avoid?) the long ongoing problem of our car park being used by people who are not railway visitors, new signage has been designed in consideration with legal requirements. As we are in a conservation area, we have been required to apply for 'advertisement' planning permission, and the site notice has been displayed, as required, clearly to passing traffic. We look forward to being granted this permission, and to getting on with being able to (legally) enforce our parking spaces to be used only by our own patrons. We'll keep you updated!

loco yard on Saturday

2011-02-03T17:29:00.004Z

Intrepid trio Adam, Richard and Chris started off preparing axle ends of 1501, 813, 6634, 5164 and Warwickshire for ultrasound testing; scraping off the hard crud and cleaning the metal surface up to the required standard.

General cleaning of 5164, 42968 and 4566 was carried out throughout the day by Richard and Chris, along with Oli and Adrian, which resulted in a gleaming brass safety dome cover on 4566.

In the late morning and afternoon Adam was in his favourite place sandblasting cleaning up the two brass whistles belong to 2857 Churchward class, ready for fitting.

Another gang of volunteers was doing work on Taw Valley's tender, including works on the chassis.

Throughout the day work went on with the newly acquired steam cleaner, blasting stubborn dirt off connecting rods belonging to 1501 and other copper piping.

Q&A Bridgnorth session

2011-01-13T20:13:00.002Z

The public end of the buffet was packed for the second Q&A session at 10am yesterday. Different questions were asked, and different ideas put forward.

Additional points noted were:
- SVR payroll as percentage of turnover is 33-34%. Across the heritage railway industry, the percentage ranges from as low as 29% payroll as % of turnover, up to 41% payroll as % of turnover.

- The maintenance contract is going out to tender, and individual trades (eg plumber, electrician..) will be separate direct access, to avoid 'mark up' charges.

- 2010 was on average on coal more economical than previous year.

- The board is aiming for a 'profit' of £75,000; the key to this is visitor numbers. This is based on an expected passenger figure of 219,500.

- Steaming days and engines per day have been reduced, to cater for the expected passenger figure.

- The headline fare has been put up by 50p.

- More driver experience courses are to be run, by taking the product into the week - by offering midweek dates, there is less pressure on the fleet.

- New event this year is Halloween, based on the success enjoyed by other railways - it is thus seen as a proven event.

- Unfortunately, the Tornado nine-day visit has been cancelled, and the GM said he cannot see it coming this year.

- Payroll reduction will be needed - without damaging business.

IDEAS sought which are not reliant on massive injection of capital.

Ideas put forward so far and during this session:

- Bridgnorth - Highley driver experience dates for the start of the season (until we fully reopen)

- Kidderminster booking office to stay open beyond the current 3pm, which presently risks losing late trade

- Footplate rides on every journey - being looked at, must supplement driver experience, and not take away potential trade - GM looking at c£90.

- Freight train with brake vans for passenger travel.

- Payment of membership fee on monthly terms, as alternative to annual fee.

- Wedding licence being investigated for Engine House and Arley - then a whole 'wedding package' can be offered, as we currently do get reception bookings.

- Policing of car parks, especially at Bridgnorth - to ensure parking charge paid.

- Focus by board / management on raising money, rather than spending it. Is there a lack of business acumen?

- Web site - dining bookings will be able to be made online this year.

- Booking systems to be more co-ordinated.

- Behind the Scenes, 4150 Fund, should be table C (last year's table B was insufficient). GM to investigate.

- 'Bah Humbug' service Bridgnorth - Highley - pay train - to be looked at by new committee, separate to Santa Event Team.

- Bridgnorth station needs to be an attraction - external funding more likely.

- Cater for, and market to, increasing local catchment (Telford, Shrewsbury, North Wales)

- Coach parties of disabled increasing, provision for mobility impaired - figures = 25,000 visitors come in group bookings, 15.000 come in school bookings, ie 40,000 are pre-booked at reduced rate, and primarily mid week when trade is quieter.

- Bridgnorth 'top' car park leased from Apley Estate - discussion re possible purchase of land to protect our interests, and enable investment in groundworks.

- Station Lane control - SVR ownership, looking in redevelopment plan at rearranging in/out route to car park for security.

- Mudlines should continue indefinitely, as there is always civils work to do.

- Members needs to be made to feel as valued stakeholders.

- Direct link for donations from Mudlines.

- Phraseology of 'thank you' notices.

- 7 locos working - many in queue.

- Piston rod was £300-400 some 3 to 4 years ago; now more like £700. Cost of repairing and maintaining steam engines is always going up.

IDEAS invited - email or phone GM at office svrgm@svr.co.uk or 01299 403816.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Royal Saloon

2011-01-11T22:00:00.003Z

A reminder at this time of 'The King's Speech' with Colin Firth in the title role (and tipped for Oscar) that the Royal Saloon is currently a resident at our Engine House Visitor Centre http://bit.ly/filUbS and well worth a visit, given its war time use. Trains will run again from Saturday 12 February, from Bridgnorth to Highley. The timetable is on the station website at http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

MPD notes

2011-01-11T21:58:00.002Z

Update as at Saturday

Road 1
46443, drained down for winter
storage goods van
1501 chassis, cab and side tanks (boiler in workshop)

Road 2
7802 drained down, disposed
4566 drained down, disposed

Road 3
5164 and 42968

Road 4
43106

Road 5
Standard tank 80080 here for spring repairs

Tender from Taw Valley currently behind associated engine frames on road 2 with tarpaulin over elements inside the shed to protect parts

Q&A

2011-01-10T10:53:00.002Z

Good turnout at the Q&A on Saturday evening, and some very useful ideas put forward.

We were advised that the passenger total for 2010 would be in the region of 225,000. Unfortunately, as the budget was based on 240,000, this means inevitably an impact on the financial results. It is generally regarded as 1,000 passengers equalling £10,000 in revenue.

And so to the targets for 2011.

The Hampton Loade insurance claim for business interruption and materials damage is progressing; anyone involved with insurance claims will know that they take a lot of time and effort to get a final result. We are assured that this in now in sight.

Half a mile of track a year is to be replaced.

Arley (plus Sandbourne) works (see Mudlines) will cost £500,000, which will cost the company interest on the loan repayment.

Resort-based attractions did well in 2010, including heritage railways. Midland/NE attractions are having difficulties.

Coal usage is being monitored; unfortunately the cost of coal is increasing (as are all utilities and raw materials), thus the coal bill is some £300,000+ yearly.

33-35% of our turnover is consumed by payroll costs - this is typical for the industry, and certainly not the highest.

The 2011 budget is currently based on 219,500 passengers, but this was planned before the unfortunate withdrawal of Tornado's visit.

Car parking machines will be installed at Bewdley, and Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth parking charges will rise to £2.50.

The challenge now is
- new events
- more driver experience courses
- reduction in payroll

Ideas need to be
- quick to achieve
- not reliant on large injection of manpower

Communication was a big issue. How we communicate is crucial. Volunteers need to be feel valued. Ratio of paid vs volunteer needs to change. A cascade system was suggested, to get urgent information to volunteers.

Money making outlets are being planned to work around the timetable.

Less coal is being used now than 5 years ago; figures will be publicised monthly in future.

Plant can work 24 hours a day, even though the same operator can't - ie more staff trained to use the plant we have, eg road railer training.

Two-train timetable considered not good for walkers - little choice in train times puts off visitors.

We had to use our own financial reserves to top up flood repairs, now this needs to be replenished.

The base cost of our railway is too high - 250,000 passengers per year is the most we can hope for.

Employ people when there is value for money.

Reducing utility costs - whose responsibility is it?

So the challenge to members is - ideas wanted!

Two ways of submitting them. Either email or phone the general manager direct - 01299 403816 or svrgm@svr.co.uk or email us at mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk and we will pass them on. Either way, please copy any ideas to us, to keep a record.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

volunteering

2011-01-07T17:10:00.003Z

2011 is the European Year of Volunteering, which aims to celebrate the commitment of millions of people in Europe who work in their communities during their free time without being paid. It is also a year of challenge to those Europeans who do not volunteer.

The goals of the European Year of Volunteering 2011 are
- to help create a more volunteer-friendly environment, with more people participating in civic activities throughout Europe
- to enable volunteer organisations to be a more effective force - to make it easier for people to volunteer and to foster greater co-operation among volunteer organisations and other sectors through the EU
- to encourage the recognition and compensation of volunteering activities
- to increase awareness of the value of volunteering to the economy and society - volunteering is not only enriching for the individual, but it is also a valuable expression of civic engagement that makes a significant contribution to society

http://www.europa.eu/volunteering

Volunteering comes at the cost of giving time, giving part of yourself, being the 'helping hands' that will enable something to happen. Volunteering shows you care. It won't bring financial rewards - but it will help to stop you from being bored!

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Q&A January 8 & 12

2011-01-06T10:20:00.002Z

The performance of the company is something that affects us all and we are all responsible for. There is a need to provide all interested parties with updates and involvement in what is happening. To this end there will be a further Q&A on January 8th at the Valley Suite, Kidderminster at 7.30pm. There will be a further smaller Q&A at Bridgnorth Wednesday 12 January 10.00am. Paid and working members are invited to attend either.

This will be an opportunity to discuss the 2011 budget, give some information on the civils work and provide an opportunity to ask questions of the Board, myself and other managers. A bulletin will also be released every two weeks as a noticeboard issue to update working members on performance during 2011.

Nick Ralls, General Manager

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk
mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Severn Valley Railway Forty Years of Steam

2011-01-05T13:06:00.003Z

from a press release by http://pr-matters.co.uk/ironbridge-gorge-telford

Severn Valley Railway's first public passenger train steamed out of Bridgnorth on 23rd May 1970 on the short four-mile run to Hampton Loade.

In four decades the SVR has grown from its original concept of a handful of enthusiastic amateurs organising Sunday steam-ups in the overgrown, abandoned BR sidings at Bridgnorth, to become onen of the UK's most polished 'heritage' tourist attractions, hosting more than a quarter of a million visitors each year, and with a turnover in excess of £6 million.

Steam locomotives now pull vintage trains taking visitors on a sentimental journey through 16 miles of glorious countryside from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster and return. The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley tells the history of the railway and includes a replica of the pub where the first planning meeting for the formation of the railway society took place.

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Motive Power at BH

2011-01-04T22:04:00.006Z

So we finished the 'festive service' timetable as scheduled, with the weather having warmed sufficiently to thaw all the snow.

The line is now under Engineer's Possession with no public trains until Saturday 12 February.

At Bridgnorth we've got BR 43106 in the shed undergoing repairs, and BR 46443 drained down for the winter.

Also here are GW 7802, 5164 and 4566.

43106 is being repaired following the failure of the left cylinder which contributed to a reduction in service on 26 December from the schedule 3 train to a single train running. An interesting day, that was.

42968, 7802 and 5164 completed the service between 31 December and 3 January.

We've now set up on twitter - find us at @bhstn and on facebook at bridgnorthstation

Keep updated with news and progress, and keep in touch at mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

November loco notes

2010-11-10T00:32:00.002Z

Mark Vrettos reports from the BH mpd

Early in October we used the wheeldrop for Bradley Manor to drop out the leading tender wheelset which had wheel flats.

We seem to be getting a lot of these recently with 42968's tender being withdrawn early, and a number of carriages red carded. There are some views on how these appear, and we must get a grip of this problem, as it is now costing the railway serious time and money.

2857 was lowered onto its wheels on Monday 25 October. Now all the bits can be bolted on. It will come off the jacks when the springs and rods are fitted. The boiler is being readied for its steam test and safety valve setting. After this we will be looking for a gang to paint the boiler with the heat resistant paint, planned for 4-5 Nov.

We are planning the next few months of work going into next year. We need to get some more midweek help to push the various projects along.

1501, 813 (contract), 5164 (wheeldrop, 53,000 miles), and a start on 75069 are in the frame, along with finishing 2857 and 6634.

As well as this, we need to carry out a valve and piston exam on 7802, so there is a massive undertaking of work required.

If it is left to paid staff only, we will have to drop overhauls in favour of running repairs, and we need 2857 for next year's season.

To do all this we need more help than we get at the moment. The railway being shut in January-early February does not mean that the work stops. In the loco works, conversely, it increases!

So please give it a go and come along.

And if anyone is interested in the role of Driving Schools Co-ordinator, following the standing down of Derek Wright, please let us know.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

appeals from the loco shed

2010-11-04T08:46:00.002Z

From September's Working Members' Newsletter:

A rather eventful couple of months have passed with the wheeldrop passing its insurance exam, and 42968 having a test drop with its rear axle removed. There are still a few things to be done before we fully accept it into use. Suffice to say it does everything that we expected of it; a well worth project for the company to have done.

When you look at what was done over the last year or so, with locos 4566 and 7802 going down to Buckfastleigh to go on their wheeldrop, and 43106's tender in the boilershop on the crane, we will now be more self sufficient in this sort of work.

We will have the jobs queuing up to go on the drop shortly. There are a number of owning groups subscribing to the appeal that can now see exactly what it is all about, and not just some frivolous piece of show machinery.

The life of the mechanics can be extended with a visit to the drop to do some metalling work on axleboxes, or re-setting springs. As locos are getting older, the repairs are getting more intense and, coupled with the railway's mileage, means more work for it.

On my usual appeals, we have had some things given to us that we need to move on. There are two woodworking benches, and a colchester lathe set for 240v. If you have a use for any of these, please give me a call, and make an offer to the wheeldrop fund.

We are still looking for cupboards. Any more plastic bins? All that have been supplied previously have long been used up.

Another request is some sheet stainless steel, or ready made drip tray, to drain out axlebox pads - ideal mesh size is about one inch square holes.

The bigger sandblast cabinet for cleaning large objects has had a major overhaul - by default - by one of the mid-week volunteers. It started with a little valve playing up. Then we had to have all of it completely in bits, until the last thing dismantled was the problem part. We are now able to clean things to a higher standard. We may now look for a bigger machine to do very large parts - anyone have one spare?

by Mark Vrettos

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

weekend updates

2010-11-03T08:18:00.002Z

Sunday
- paint wheeldrop
- dispose 7802 smokebox, ashpan, firebox
- dispose 5764 smokebox, ashpan
- dispose 7812 smokebox
- more progress to 6634 can rear

The main task fo today involved most of the cleaners on duty plus other MPD volunteers yesterday included applying a top coat of yellow paint to the in-shed wheel-drop floor plates. After cleaning the floor plates with clean paraffin and rags, white spirit was wiped over them to remove the oil component from the paraffin cleaning, reading to make a paintable surface which the top coat could lay onto.

Once half was cleaned down, painting started on the near side of the floor level panels, coating with top coat yellow gloss. Continuing onto the far side of the same level after the white spirit had been wiped off, the plates were painted yellow and left over lunchtime.

Following on afterwards, although the service was running late, we continued this time on the floor of the wheeldrop in the lower level (equivalent of being in the inspection pit) going through the paraffin cleaning, white spirit, then paint. This then had the wheel-drop complete short of cordoning off using the safety chain posts and rope-hung wet paint signs at the inner end.

Towards the end of the afternoon Adam and Chris cleaned out the smokebox of 7802 and raked through and dropped the firebox and grate, then shunted the loco onto the road 2 pit to have the ashpan dropped. This same was carried out once it had gone dark with pannier 5764 after it brought in the final train of the day. Chris disposed after the engine was moved to road 1 adjacent to the platform.

Finally, once the Bridgnorth set had come in and been taken away back to Kidder by class 50 diesel (for use at the south end during Bridgnorth's isolation) 7812 service engine was disposed and left on the big pit on road 2.

Saturday

Following 2857's wheels being fitted to the chassis last week, the bogie bolster in the yard containing 2857's boiler was shunted to the boiler shop siding. This involved manoeuvring the other flat bed wagons with a four-wheeler no 66695 outside the boiler shop. Using the head shunt at the end of Hollybush sidings, we were able to move the flat beds into position with ease.

The steam crane from up the head shunt alongside the main running line needed to be shunted to the yard for mid week fittings work, which involved coupling it to 42968's tender, moving down into the yard, back out onto the main line and down into platform 2. At this point the class 08 shunter was attached at the north end. Once in the platform the 08 headed off, after screwing down the tender's brake, then the 08 shunter running round the tender, and then steam crane until it came back down onto the steam crane from the north end.

After coupling up to the cab end of the steam crane, we were picked out of platform 2, over the top of the loop, until we cam eot the home signal gantry, and then back down into the yard into road 3 splash pad, then to a standstill. Later 813 was also shunted around in the shed, first from road 4 to the oil stores pit, then back to road 4 and into the shed itself, positioned over the wheel-drop.

Finally, ready for a loco swap with Great Western pannier tank 5764 the next day, 42968 was lit up in early evening ready for the swap on Sunday afternoon. Two locomotives that will remain at Bridgnorth loco works over the November period are Great Western tank engines 5164 large prairie and 5764 pannier tank.

Loco Works update

2010-10-30T07:49:00.007+01:00

Adam's blog from last weekend.

Lady A has been shunted out of the loco works paint shop, and moved to the Engine House where it will now reside, ready for Great Western Pannier Tank 7714 to be removed from the Engine House to be overhauled in due course.

On Saturday a loco swap took place involving Great Western small Prairie no 4566 from Bridgnorth changing with Bewdley service engine 5164 ready for valve repairs to be carried out.

Currently inside the shed, loco no 6634's cab roof is quickly progressing with a clear representation of what will be the final structure now in view. This past weekend, additional side panels were being machined ready for fitting to the roof body.

Great Western loco no 7802 Bradley Manor is undergoing work on its vacuum brake, following its visit on the new wheeldrop a couple of weeks back, where the wheel sets were taken out and cleaned up. The loco has since come off the wheeldrop and begun maintenance works.

The big focus at the moment is Great Western loco no 2857 Churchward class 2-8-0, which is being prepared to reunite with its wheels, which are now painted and ready to be fitted up; this may well be taking place this week.

Also during the past weekend, 2857's boiler was lit up again for testing, following the locomotive's smokebox being re-attached. Hopefully before much longer, the boiler will have its official boiler test, ready to be lifted onto the frames.

Beer festival

2010-09-17T19:26:00.002+01:00

Bridgnorth CAMRA are running the 16th Bridgnorth beer festival at the station, using the marquee and beer garden. Over 50 beers, ciders and perrys are available. Souvenir half pint mugs are on sale. A pig roast on Friday and Saturdays. Free prize draw to win a case of bottle conditioned beer.

Opening times are

Friday 11am to midnight

Saturday 11am to midnight

Sunday 11am to 5pm, or when beer runs out

82045 - support needed

2010-09-09T17:15:00.015+01:00

The 82045 Steam Locomotive Trust

www.82045.org.uk

Here on the SVR a long-lost locomotive type is making steady progress towards the day when it steams again. The frames of 82045, the next member of the Riddles 3MT 2-6-2 tank design, are on view at Bridgnorth for all to see, and the rest of the loco will follow as quickly as is physically possible.

The 82xxx tank has been described as one of the best engines the heritage railway movement never had. Attractive, efficient and easy to operate and maintain, the type was a regular sight on many of today's preserved lines, including SVR, WSR and NYMR. Its return to the preservation-era SVR is therefore historically accurate.

The Riddles Prairie could be to Britain's heritage lines what Tornado is to the main line. Steam railways all over the country are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain day to day services with the existing fleet of ageing locomotives, and a new engine will help take the burden from its older sisters and thereby prolong their working lives.

With this in mind, batch production is a possibility, as is construction of the similar Class 3 77xxx mogul. The frame assembly should be completed during 2010; we already have some of the costliest components for the boiler and firebox; the patterns for the driving and pony wheels are available; and we have a dedicated and enthusiastic team of SVR volunteers hard at work on the new loco.

We are well on the way to success, and all we need to complete this much-needed addition to the Valley's steam fleet - the sooner the better - is your support.

If you would like a chat about it, please contact Chris Proudfoot, our publicity officer, on 01928 787255, email chris.proudfoot045@btinternet.com

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

Saturday 2 October - Bridgnorth to Blackpool

2010-09-09T17:05:00.009+01:00

Join us on this special steam-hauled excursion from Bridgnorth and Kidderminster to Blackpool.

Our train departs from Bridgnorth at around 8am hauled by former LMSR Jubilee Class 4-6-0 5690 Leander.

We pick up at Bewdley, and at Kidderminster we join the national railway system and pick up, then call at Stourbridge Junction to pick up, and to attach GWR Pannier Tank 9600, which will bank our train from the rear up Old Hill Bank.

We continue through Perry Barr and call at Thame Bridge Parkway before pausing at Bescot to detach our Pannier Tank 9600. We call at Wolverhampton, and then continue into Shropshire, through Oakengates and Telford. We continue through Shrewsbury and take the Great Western Chester main line through Wales, passing Chirk and Ruabon on the wal to Chester. We continue northbound through Frodsham and Warrington before arriving at Preston. From Preston we join the line to Blackpool North. We should arrive in Blackpool around lunchtime.

Return home is diesel-hauled, with a special SVR train to take passengers back to Bewdley and Bridgnorth.

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

catch me who can

2010-09-08T14:06:00.002+01:00

At the peek behind the scenes last month, Catch Me Who Can was performing, and the fundraising desk had a newsletter from the trustees, which I picked up to put here.

First of all the chairman and the trustees of the Catch me who can lovomotive would like to apologise for the lack of communication with the Friends of the locomotive and interested parties regarding the progress of the building of the locomotive. The reasons are many and varied but it is mainly down to the lack of finance, although time constraints have played their part.

The last 18 months have not been the best time, due to the recession, to embark on the building of the replica locomotive. The two rallies in the Severn Park were a public success but a financial near miss, costing both a lot of time and some money. This is why, with reluctance, we announced in the Bridgnorth Journal at the end of January we would not be involved with the 2010 rally in the valley.

Some good news. With the various donations and grants that have been awarded to the engine since March 2010 we are in a position to purchase all the major parts outstanding for the lovomotive with a view to completion by the end of the year. This does not mean an end to fund raising as the trustees would like to purchase or build a suitable vehicle for Catch me who can, and there is still insurance and maintenance to consider. Any donations will always be gratefully received.

We still have various items of Catch me who can memorabilia for sale. A few prints of John Austin's excellent painting of Catch me who can, on test outside the Hazledine Foundry, with the town as a backdrop, are available priced £15 each plus p+p.

The locomotive spent the winter in the warm at the back of the SVR's paint shop. During that time the opportunity was taken to finish the water tank, make and fit lids, handles, pump, drive linkage and brackets. The water tank was offered up and fitted under the boiler, at which point the engine was moved outside for the spring gala. The front wheels were lifted clear of the rails to allow the loco to be demonstrated as a stationery engine. The water tank was filled with water and we were very pleased to find we did not build a colander; not a dribble anywhere. Temporary pipes and a bypass valve have been fitted to the loco and water can now be fed into the boiler whilst in service. The engine has been steamed and demonstrated nine times this year; not bad as it is not yet finished.

A shopping list is with the brake supplier. The parts will be lorry brakes modified to meet the requirements of railway use. The brake disks are specials and are being machined and supplied gratis. The air system will be charged from a land line and topped up by a small battery powered compressor if required. It will be compatible with other replica vehicles. The boiler is to be clad in wood. This is in the process of being ordered, and profiled to our requirements. The timber is of West African origin and is called Idigbo. It is resistant to insects and rot, and is stable under extremes of hot and cold; it is a hard life covering a boiler. Outstanding jobs include a proper chimney, footplate, feed water heater, cylinder lubricator, draw gear, oil pots, and a whistle. We are not out the woods yet.

The next public steaming of Catch me who can will be at the SVR autumn steam gala, 24-26 September; we look forward to seeing you there.
www.catchmewhocan.org.uk

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Q&A Saturday 21 August

2010-08-28T09:33:00.011+01:00

A Q&A session was held at the KRM at 7.15.

Mainly intended to discuss the present financial situation, other subjects were also discussed.

Of particular interest to Bridgnorth:

1. The recession has truly hit; in the first six months of the year, passenger carryings were 13% down. This represents a big dip in revenue - cost savings are no longer optional.

2. There will be no trains to/from Bridgnorth during November, due to track re-laying on Eardington bank.

3. A number comments were made on the external state of Bridgnorth buffet. It's fine inside, but the external appearance does us no favours. Nick Ralls (GM) stated that major redevelopments were being planned for Bridgnorth, which would include a purpose-built buffet. It was suggested that the redevelopment could perhaps be the subject of a share issue - though, as always, donations to the station fund are welcome.

4. Train lengths also came in for some discussion, as the school holidays had resulted in some trains becoming uncomfortably full. It was noted that there had been some delay in bringing sets up to full strength (8), a task made harder by the non-availability of three coaches for maintenance. More than 8 is much harder, as longer trains don't fit in Hampton Loade loop.

5. Back to the money. All departments are being asked to economise as much as possible so that we can continue to do essential work. Everyone can help.

PLEASE

turn off lights in empty rooms

report water leaks

don't waste materials - paint, paper, wood, coal, water

And suggestions are welcome for ways to reduce cost and increase income!

mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Shovelling and painting

2010-08-05T00:17:00.004+01:00

First call of duty today, 'lads' Richard, Chris and Adam were wielding shovels to clear coal ash from the four-foots around the yard, engine roads 2 and 5, and oil stores pit on road 5.

Whilst this is a very simple task, it can be very time consuming and can easily occupy two people with shovelling and emptying full barrow loads.

On road 2 we didn't go as far as washing down the grey concrete section of the four foot before the pit, but will likely do tomorrow.

The completion of this job also saw the deterioration of the decent weather, to damp and wet, then to horrible warm and sticky - the worst weather for exertive shovelling.

In prep for applying paint to 2857's frames during the afternoon, we gave the brushes that were left soaking in the paint shop a thorough cleaning and drying off, to then be usable later. Whilst Richard did a nice job touching up with the grey primer where the frames had been repaired, Chris and Adam were presented with the less than pretty task of disposing of the old white spirit cleaner, and the residual paint gunk left in the bottom of the cleaning tins. Not a nice job.

Finally, the job that took longest was to apply the next coat of chassis undercoat to the 2857 running plate on the right hand side. Hopefully one of us will get a coat on the left hand side once the primer has dried tomorrow.

Report based on Adam's notes.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

wailing wall moves bricks

2010-08-04T11:20:00.002+01:00

Dave Evans had a good group for this week's Tuesday gang of the Wailing Wall Construction Company (WWCC). Regulars Colin, Geoff and Ken were joined by Danny, Richard and Adam.

They pulled themselves ahead of schedule, which Dave was thoroughly chuffed about. By the end of the day there wasn't much else they could do that they knew of at that time.

Geoff worked for most of the day on the new internal door for the booking office, applying extra sealant to the glass sections, and undercoat, following Dave's installing the glazing earlier. It now looks very smart and should be fitted in place at some point next week.

The 'youngsters' - Adam, Danny and Richard - had their energy applied to bricks, reclaiming them from their long term storage location alongside Hollybush sidings. They are imperial shropshire blues, and were almost fully covered with thick ivy, having been stacked alongside where the western diesels are currently parked.

The ivy was tightly holding onto them, so we had to knock down the columns of double stacked bricks to extract them from the bindings. Well over 500 bricks were moved by the time we stopped, and probably more than that again still where they were.

If there's one thing we do very well at Bridgnorth, it's reclaiming, recycling and make do and mend, instead of buying from new. We enjoy using our hands and skills to build the solutions to our problems.

Another very simple job needing to be done was collecting all unused timbers and old rotten packing from around the area of 82045's new frames and the machinery components stacked by the retaining brick wall. The collected wood is now in the mpd wood pile, ready to be used for light ups.

Two new volunteers found themselves acquainted with name and information plates from the crane, currently in the carriage siding, and the steel sand blasting cabinet in the mpd's welding bay. They made an excellent job of cleaning up the plates ready to be repainted, restored, given a lick of paint, ready to be mounted on varnished wooden plaques and linstalled in the railwayman's arms, with our current extensive collection of number plates.

Report based on Adam Thomas' notes.

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

flickr and bbc links

2010-08-01T10:56:00.003+01:00

Hi all

More photos just uploaded to www.flickr.com/bridgnorthstation of the wheeldrop.

Remember, if you've got photos you're willing to share with the world, please send them to mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

While writing, here's an interesting link copied from the svr forum:

www.bbc.co.uk/nationonfilm/location/north

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

bridgnorth station on flickr

2010-07-31T10:49:00.003+01:00

Now that lots of pics are being taken, a flickr account seemed the easiest and quickest way to make them available on line, so bridgnorthstation is now on flickr! So far there are pics of the wheeldrop, and pics of the 41-step process to re-roof the marquee. New pics of the wheeldrop will go up later today.

If you've got pics to share, send them to mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk and they can be put on flickr for all to enjoy.

www.flickr.com

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

back and backs

2010-06-20T16:21:00.002+01:00

Yes, Patrick, I have noted your comment on the forum, and have taken action!

It's been a long time, but we are back.

The photo shows the new lighting on platform 1, taken in February. Platform 2 is now under way, and photos will be available soon.

Sadly, Patrick is currently unable to help at the station, due to his back giving him a painful time - get well soon Patrick, we need you!

In the 'interregnum' of no posts, a load of work has been done.

- construct, paint and put into use three new station benches

- repair and repaint six station benches, including rebuild of one all-timber bench

- complete stripping and repainting of all railings on platform 1 and platform s, 2.5 years in total

- commission new lighting on platform 1 and safely remove old concrete lamp posts

- install six new lamp posts on platform 2, and recently completed luminaires - just need connecting up

- complete remodelling and redecoration of the booking office

- replace door locks on buffet

- construct new manhole and fat trap in buffet drain

- construct and erect new noticeboards and direction signs

- replace stop cocks to carriage watering hoses and replace damaged hose

- repair treads on footbridge which had started to lift

- erect new fence at top of donkey gallop, as a safety measure

- dismantle and remove old caravan and relocate tent, to release more car park space

- construct new foot crossing at south end of platform 2, across the yard, for controlled use on busy days

- construct new fencing and gates at north end of station near boiler shop crossing, site now much tidier and visitor safety improved

- replace defective water heater in gents

- replace defective space heater in gents

- manufacture and install new coving in booking office ceiling

- countless minor jobs including unblocking drains, replacing broken toilet seats, clearing, tidying, painting, replacing bulbs and tubes, improvements to pathways and kerbs, constructing proper supports and painting the main gas supply pipe, painting and rust proofing the mpd compressed air receiver and associated pipework, deep cleaning platform waiting room, mend broken windows, gardening...

next on the list is

- complete new lighting on platform 2

- erect and commission new lights on main station building and replace lights beneath canopy

- resheet the corrugated roof over the lean-to building which contains the telephone exchange and shop store

- redecorate the porch once the dry rot works are complete

- repaint platform edge white lines

- construct new signs for station entrance to replace life expired ones

- rebuild footways around from of station to eliminate dips, construct speed bumps outside station entrance, rearrange vehicle flow to prevent vehicles passing within inches of the station doors..

SO if anyone has a little spare time, and can offer skills or is willing to learn, HEY - JOIN US! We're a friendly cheerful bunch, and you get free tea and coffee, quality reasonably priced food, and terrific company. Oh, and the beer's quite good, too.

email mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

More soon, with pics.

TFN

and mwah to Patrick.

Ferry good?

2009-04-27T11:49:00.002+01:00

A foot ferry has been running on the stretch of river for 400 years
A historic Shropshire ferry, which had been out of action for nearly two years after flooding, is running again.
The Hampton Loade Ferry, near Bridgnorth, had not been used on the River Severn after flooding affected the area and damaged the boat.
The foot ferry, which is attached to a cable across the river, has no power but uses the current of the water to pull it across to the opposite bank.
The service started a week after the ferry was lifted back into the water.
'Really pleased'
The non-profit-making Hampton Loade Community Trust was set up to run the river ferry again and preserve a service dating back more than 400 years.
Theresa Cole, from Hampton Loade, who was involved in setting up the trust, said: "We've come to love it - it's historic.
"Everybody's been really pleased that the ferry's back up and running.
"Everybody's had a lovely time coming across. The sun's been shining and it's been wonderful."

Gardening working party

2009-04-18T13:43:00.004+01:00

Working Party needed - 2-3-4 May

to rescue the cottage garden before it gets any more overgrown, continuing what Neil and Mandy Butler have started, and to reinstate the vegetable patch

tools will be provided - or bring your own

if you have any spare herbaceous plants, or vegetable plants, please bring them along

I am also on the look out for a water butt and tap, that we can gix up to make watering easier

Thanks in advance, Di Malyon

Ferry in the water

2009-04-17T19:37:00.003+01:00

A historic ferry across the River Severn that has been out of action for nearly two years has been lifted back in the water.

The Hampton Loade Ferry, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, has not been running since flooding affected the area and damaged the boat.
A non-profit-making trust, set up to run it, said it is hoping the public can use the ferry from 25 April.
Ferries have been making the crossing there for more than 400 years.

The foot ferry has been attached to a cable across the river. It does not have power and previously used the current of the water to pull it across to the opposite bank.
A crane lifted the river ferry back into the water on Friday.

Alex Medhurst, a trustee from Hampton Loade Community Trust, said he believed interest would now take off.
He said: "All sorts of people are wandering down to have a look.
"Considering in January it was just a thought, to actually get it in the water, it's the first step to getting it operational."
The trust said it had arranged to lease the ferry from the operator, Darren Page.
Mr Medhurst said: "We'll probably take it on a couple of test runs on the river over the next week.
"The cable has been inspected and tested."
He added the trust had received a £5,000 grant from Bridgnorth District Council, which has since joined with other councils to become Shropshire Council.

http://www.hamptonloadeferry.co.uk/

Marching on

2009-03-26T15:08:00.004Z

14 March - blog report from the Teen Team

Well, back in overalls again from the events of last weekend; nice to be back. I know, pathetic, but humour me.

Today we've completed top coats on most of the bench panels using a decidedly larger task force, including a team of eight RAF officers. May I quickly express a joint thank you for their work today - they made great progress on our usually slow work pace - so thank you again.

During the afternoon we took to the railings and continued red oxiding and light stone top coating. We have now completed the oxiding on the railings north of the road turnnel. We shall continue painting beyond there next weekend.

Overall, a thoroughly progressing day and thank you to anyone who participated.

7 March - blog report from the Teen Team

We started the day off with the 9.50 with 5164 on the front. The next arrival was from Erlstoke Manor but the next was what everyone was interested in - the Duke. After that had gone, my Dad rang me and said he could hear it from the house - he thought it was struggling but I explained to him that it was Oliver Cromwell and he would hear it. by Chris

Today's steam gala has been a great success, as usual; I mean, would you expect anything else? Each and every one of the visiting locos have proved to be thoroughly popular with the punters. The station site has not seen more onlookers since the great floods. Steam in later for more updates! by Adam

The day's events have been great, and we look forward to a brilliant day tomorrow, or something along those lines...

Update from the teeny twosome

2009-03-05T15:17:00.005Z

Really must get back on form with this blogging. Here's some of the results of the logging train, where a load of cheery chaps (and maybe some chapesses) go off down the line with some flat trucks and some serious hardware to tidy up the lineside, chop the timber into useable sizes, and load it up to use at the station, on the bar fire and elsewhere. Saves much money, reduces fire and falling risk along the line.

Well, yes, it's a footplate, but being a dedicated heathen I have no idea whose or why.

Yes, I reckon I recognise this reprobate.

And his friend...

And I fear that's the reprobate's papa.

7511 being prepared to travel to Kidder, having been completed inside. See www.svr-rollingstocktrust.org for more info.

She'll be a beauty when she's outshopped.

Catch Me Who Can will be in steam at Bridgnorth Station during the SVR Spring Gala on 6-8th March. Adam spotted Dave Reynolds doing some more work to Trevithick's little engine.

And now to the news.

Adam's report from 7 February.

For a start, today is the first time since we've been back at Bridgnorth that I haven't been loaded down with a certain block of exam coursework, which helps to make the day more overall enjoyable, I hope.

The little team started out getting the platform cleared with shovels - plough type rakes from snow, which to us might seem like a heavy snow fall since we rarely see any realistic snow at all at Christmas. That ended up taking half to three quarters of the morning.

After that we undertook to replenish all of the kindling and wood stoves around the station - signal box and waiting room platform two. For this it was a case of two containers over to the yard and chopping up any smallish wood bits from the wood pile (for lighting up). We got interrogated by a couple of rota guys about abducting their wood; we didn't exactly take it all, they've still got a few chunks left.

After lunch it was tidying up the gala tent from over the winter. General tidy up and a damp cloth and bucket were in full order. Tables, planks, the works needed cleaning of month old crud which turned the water black quickly. It looked much better for it being done anway, which helps. Got several bench parts cleaned, laid out, prepped for priming. Later attached a grovelling note to the pieces for week WW gang to under and top coat.. very grovelling..

When it soon after reached half five, we downed tools, got washed, and headed for a well earned pint (cheering thought).

Richard's report from 21 February.

Work in progress with yet more painting and railing chipping and priming.

1055 Work on undercoating the bench panels with smooth paint and brush work in no time, well you get the idea.

1210 Wire brushing and painting - we managed to finish two panels. Once one panel was done went to lunch.

3.30pm. Finished work on the wooden bench frame and the chocolate coat will be added, so there will be more places to sit on the platform.

Adam's report from 28 February.

Today again was mainly painting, not much of a change there. Hopefully we'll have the current four benches completed in a month or so.

Although not done by me, we also got the bench feet attached to the metal legs today (courtesy of Chris and Steve).

Later after lunch it was putting the top chocolate gloss coat on the plain wooden bench frame; it was time consuming to say the very least.

Towards the end of the day once there was no more to paint, we endeavoured to replenish kindling in the waiting room trunk. Not long before we'll be selling bundled kindling for station funds?

www.trevithick200.co.uk

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Severn Valley Limited to Lincoln

2009-02-09T23:33:00.002Z

This a jointly organised tour between the Severn Valley Railway Association and the Railway Touring Company who are handling all bookings.

A4 Pacific 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' will haul the train from Bridgnorth to Lincoln and after our visit to Lincoln, will haul the train from Lincoln to Doncaster.

We commence our journey at Bridgnorth hauled by 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'. We pick up at Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourbridge Junction.

Soon after, Sir Nigel will commence the difficult climb up Old Hill Bank. We call at Tame Bridge Parkway before heading through Walsall and the normally freight only line through Sutton Park. We hope for a fast run through Tamworth and Burton on Trent before entering the City of Nottingham. We continue through Newark to our destination of Lincoln.

Lincoln is a wonderful City to explore. You will have time to visit its imposing 12th century Cathedral as well as its Norman Castle. Lincoln has its fair share of cobbled streets and interesting individual shops.

After our break of approximately 3 hours, Sir Nigel will head our train northwards over the little used GN and GE joint line through Gainsborough to Doncaster. Here we say goodbye to our A4 Pacific.

We return to the West Midlands diesel hauled setting down at Birmingham New Street, Stourbridge Junction and Kidderminster. There will be a special service on the Severn Valley Railway from Kidderminster to return passengers to Bewdley and Bridgnorth.

Approximate Timings

Bridgnorth dep 07.15 (return 22.30)
Bewdley dep 08.10 (return 21.30)
Kidderminster dep 08.40 (return 21.20)
Stourbridge Jct dep 09.05 (return 21.00)
Tame Bridge Parkway dep 09.25 (no set down on return due to engineering works)
Birmingham New Street return 20.30
Lincoln dep 12.00 (return 15.30)
Gainsborough Lea Road dep 15.50 (return 16.20)

There are three classes available:-
Premier Dining (includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat).
First Class (includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon).
Standard Class (includes a reserved seat at a table for four)

A Buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Premier (Adult) £169 (Junior) £112 (Family) £475
First (Adult) £104 (Junior) £65 (Family) £300
Standard (Adult) £75 (Junior) £39 (Family) £195

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person (subject to availability)

For all bookings please contact the Railway Touring Company:
Website : www.railwaytouring.co.uk
e-mail : enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk
Phone : 01553 661500

New steam train makes London trip

2009-02-07T15:24:00.001Z

The first new mainline steam engine to be built in Britain for nearly five decades has made its first long-distance passenger trip into London.
The train set off from Darlington at 0745 GMT and arrived at London King's Cross station shortly after 1400 GMT.
Enthusiasts in Darlington raised £3m to build the Peppercorn class A1 Pacific locomotive, which has taken 19 years.
The Tornado train consisted of 13 carriages, equating to about 500 tons, and ran at speeds of up to 75mph.
Additional passengers were picked up at York and the train passed through stations including Newark, Peterborough and Potter's Bar before arriving in London.
The Tornado is apple green, the colour carried by the first 30 Peppercorn class A1s, and it began taking fare-paying passengers on 31 January.
The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust built it to the original plans and drawings which came from 1948, so the engine is completely new but it is as it would have been as one of the original engines. The train's headlamps, signalling system and onboard voyage data recorder or "black box" are powered by electricity.
Although it does of course create some smoke, actually pulling 500 people with a steam engine is quite an efficient way of transporting people.
Trust chairman Mark Allatt said: "Tornado's first train to London is the opening of a new chapter in the story of a project that many said could never be completed."

Back to the Blogstone

2009-01-30T12:24:00.003Z

Okay, let's see if we can get back to a routine. Here's a guest report from Adam, to start off a new series of Teen Team Trials and Tribulations - who's next? Oliver? Chris? Richard? No hiding - who's going to write up for this weekend??

Adam says...

Back to Bridgnorth after the winter Santa running - back to our station. Well, as soon as we're ready for work, it's painting benches and chipping railings for painting. It can be very enjoyable after a week of GCSE study to have a day of dirty physical progressive restoration work. No uniform involved, just overalls, hat and whatever tools needed; bliss!

Anyway, 24 January - starting at 10 o'clock, bench frame priming, two paint tins for the job - it tends to be much more flexible with a separate paint supply each. Got the job finished by lunch in less than ideal weather.

As always lunch break goes by like a gust of wind unless one is having a full meal - you end up devouring lunch in minutes and then trying to weigh out time with a cup of tea. Oh well, if time went past, proves we were amused.

Afternoon, chipping railings and chopping dry kindling for lighting up stoves. Wonder if one could make a part time job of a kindling supplier? I'd probably soon get bored. Railings went slowly because as soon as we continue after de-numbing hands over a fire, they chill again! But we got something done.

End of the day: empty grates, have a pint in the bar!

Thank you Adam (and there's a 'b' in 'numbing') - perhaps slightly easier to read writing next time?

Have a good day tomorrow, y'all.

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

Ivor the Engine

2008-12-18T15:33:00.004Z

RIP Oliver Postgate 1925-2008 - creator of Ivor the Engine

Ivor the Engine lives on The Merioneth and Llantisilly Rail Traction Company Limited, in the top left-hand corner of Wales On its map are viaducts, bridges, tunnels, towns, villages, coalmine and gasworks. Ivor gets to Grumbly Town by passing through Tan-y-Gwlch.

The story is delightfully absurd - Ivor wants to sing in the choir - but like all proper absurdities it was taken seriously and the task approached with care and kindliness by the ordinarily extraordinary people of that real imaginary place.

It is not an easy task. Such time-tables as the railway tries to follow have to be adjusted to suit Ivor's choir practice, and in any case there is not much chance of keeping to timetables when there is a dragon called Idris to be kept red-hot.

http://www.smallfilms.co.uk/ivor/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivor_the_Engine

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Highley gets a smart new footbridge

2008-12-17T14:45:00.005Z

Highley station is getting its new passenger footbridge - 35 years after the old one was demolished as 'unsafe'.

With grant aid of £150,000 from the Government regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, and £100,000 from the European Regional Development Fund, work on laying the foundations began this week. The completed bridge is expected to be in use by Easter.

Passenger access to the single platform at the Severn Valley Railway's 1862-built 'showcase' Great Western Railway station has been by wooden-boarded crossing since the old bridge was taken down in 1974 - but when a train is standing in the station, platform access is blocked by the carriages.

The new bridge, spanning the line at the south end of the station close to the site of the original one, is being constructed to resemble a traditional GWR footbridge, in keeping with the 19th century 'period' appearance of the station, which has long been a draw for feature and television film producers. Highley station featured extensively in the opening scenes of the December 2005 box-office smash, 'The Chronicles of Narnia'.

Fabrication of the bridge is being undertaken by the Redditch, Worcestershire, structural steelwork specialists Tanard Products Ltd, and will be erected by Kidderminster building contractors George Law Ltd.

http://www.highleyshrop.co.uk/

http://www.discovershropshire.org.uk/html/search/verb/GetRecord/theme:20070204204459
http://www.highley.org.uk/pages/attracin.html

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

Give a special present this Christmas - Give blood

2008-12-16T12:51:00.003Z

The age limit which prevents regular blood donors from continuing to give blood beyond their 70th birthday has been scrapped.

There are currently 1.414 million registered blood donors in the UK, with one in ten aged 60 or above.
The age limit on blood donations was raised from 65 to 70 in 1998.
An age limit was put in place as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the donor, but recent evidence from other blood services has shown no harm to donors over the age of 70.

People who have donated in the last two years will be able to continue giving as long as they meet selection rules.
Age Concern, said: "Many older blood donors will welcome the news that their age will no longer prevent them from donating blood, allowing them to continue contributing to this vital service.
"The change to National Blood Service rules is a great example of how breaking down age barriers brings huge benefits, not only to older people, but society in general.
"We hope it will encourage other organisations to look carefully at their policies and ensure they don't unnecessarily exclude people because of their age."

Earlier this year some people with diabetes and high blood pressure were cleared to donate blood for the first time.
A committee of experts ruled it was safe for these groups to give blood, even if they are taking medication to control their condition.

NHS Blood and Transplant is also asking individuals of all ages to donate blood over Christmas, when supplies often come under intense pressure.
On average, the blood services across the UK need 8,200 donations each day to keep up stocks.
Blood does not keep for long and so the blood services need to have sufficient stocks to meet demand for between nine and 10 days.

The National Blood Service is not to be confused with the National Health Service.We are an integral part of the NHS, and we guarantee to deliver blood, blood components, blood products and tissues from our 15 blood centres to anywhere in England and North Wales.Naturally, we also ensure that the blood we supply is properly screened and is safe for patients. Every year we collect, test, process, store and issue 2.1 million blood donations. We depend entirely on voluntary donations from the general public, and try to encourage our existing donors to give three times a year. (It's amazing what the promise of a free cup of tea and some biscuits will do...)

The minimum age is 17, and you can book online for a centre near you at a convenient time. Donor sessions are held in halls in villages as well as in towns and the permanent centres such as Birmingham. Check out www.blood.co.uk for more info or call 0845 7 711 711.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Down to 7 - Christmas Eve afternoon still available

2008-12-11T13:42:00.005Z

Yup, more seats sold, so we've now got the 4 o'clock on the two Saturdays, and Christmas Eve 12.45 onwards with seats available. Goody, it's much better being fully busy, and much healthier financially. And those toys are just so wonderful; we really do provide a superb Santa experience.

I believe our bridgnorth-newbies - Chris, Oliver, John and others - enjoyed their Santa foray, and I think some of them will be back for more punishment on Christmas Eve, as it's a weekday and after the end of term. It's a slightly shorter day, so they'll also get back home sooner.

Next week's blog can include some update on the other station - ie, our own - as there will be a 'mini maintenance team' (father and son) there to take more pics, and the Wailing Wall Construction Company have a long list of projects that are in hand or completed, which can be reported on, once I've got some pics to go with it.

Let's hope the forecast improves slightly, currently the Bridgnorth area is on one raindrop but Bewdley has two for Saturday, so I fear we must expect rain, remains to be seen how much. Brollies will be needed. Sunday is forecast for dry, sunny, colder, and both days warn of a minus 1 frost.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Nine to go

2008-12-10T12:24:00.008Z

Just nine trains left now with seats available to book: Saturday 13 - 3.30 and 4.00; Saturday 20 - 4.00; Christmas Eve - 12.15, 12.45, 1.30, 2.00, 2.30, 3.00. All the other trains are full - approx 350 passengers per train.

Helping on the silly, I mean santa hat stall, I've been told by many visitors what a great time they've had and how wonderful the presents are. No one has seemed at all disappointed. Loads of very happy children.

Just what we aim for. And an excellent advert to their friends and neighbours; we are still getting bookings in and the remaining seats and getting filled, as you can see by the 'full' marks on the listing on the station site home page.

Forecast for Saturday is still saying wet, though getting colder, so hope we don't simply get soaked - much better to get chilly but stay dry - kids can bounce around to warm up; it's no fun at all if it's pouring rain. Sunday is better, dry and cold. Seven layers are easier to manage than a large umbrella.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

What Elf could it be?

2008-12-08T18:43:00.003Z

This is the National Elf Service speaking... we hear that elf and safety is very well controlled at Arley, but only by certain elfy young men elfing out to make it all a right potty place to be. Oops sorry, that probably isn't very elfy is it.

Your good elf, hicc, but don't get too relaxed cos there are still... err.... five elfy days left before we can all look to restore our elf esteem and pack away the silly hats for another year. Although I suppose we bring it on our-elves, don't we?

So, why does Santa owe everything to the elves? Because he is an elf-made man!

Any more elf jokes, send them in...

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

santa timetable

2008-12-07T18:32:00.004Z

Tooo wearrrry to write much after the weekend, but this is the complete santa timetable, if anyone wants it, rather than the cut-off printed on A4 version - this one was printed on A3 before scanning, to avoid missing off the far right column.

Some pics tomorrow, if wearrrinesss has faded - manning the santa hat stall all weekend, and the cooooldnessss has creased me (shows my age?).

First weekend done - just five more santa days to go. Oh joy...

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Arley - home of Santa's Grotto

2008-12-03T10:32:00.005Z

Arley station was built along with the line in 1862. The first signal box was built in 1883, and the platform built to accommodate six coach trains. The local transport needs were met quite adequately, as the local roads and paths were somewhat primitive. Passenger trade was busiest with summer holiday visitors, and Arley was home to a small goods yard.

Opened on the original Severn Valley line run from the outset by the Great Western Railway, the station stayed with that company during the grouping of 1923, passing on to the Western Region of British Railways during the nationalisation of 1948. It was then closed by the British Transport Commission.

Although thought by some people to have been closed as part of the Beeching axe in 1963, its planned closure pre-dated his report. The passing loop was taken out, sidings cut up and platforms removed, with only Alveley coal traffic surviving. In 1969 the line through Arley finally became disused.

When the line was reopened by preservationists working up from Bridgnorth in 1974, work got underway to restore Arley to its former glory. The main railway building was in relatively good condition and was totally renovated. The platforms were rebuilt and track re-laid. The old signal box having been demolished, a replacement of non-GWR design one was reclaimed and brought in from Yorton, near Whitchurch, and connected to signalling equipment.

Santa Heralds (Santa on the train) are running on December 19, 22 and 23, departing Kidderminster at 10am, 12.25pm and 2.45pm. Tickets price 9.50 with children 1-15 getting a rather good pressie.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Platelets

2008-12-02T10:55:00.004Z

Platelets are tiny fragments of bone marrow cells which circulate in the blood, clumping together to form clots which prevent bleeding following injury.

Platelet transfusions are often a vital part of treatment for many premature babies who can be highly susceptible to brain haemorrhages. Transfusions of just two or three teaspoons can cut their risk of dying.

Platelets are also given to patients whose bone marrow is not working properly.
They include unborn children who need transfusions in the womb and patients with cancer or leukaemia undergoing chemotherapy.

Demand for platelets is rising and is up by 3% so far this year.

WHO CAN DONATE?
Must have given blood without any problems
Have blood groups O, A or B
Must not be taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller
In order to donate two or three doses of platelets, you need to have a higher than average platelet count

Supplies are particularly needed over the Christmas and New Year period, when donations are down and as platelets only have a five day shelf-life, the National Blood Service (NBS) is desperate for more donors.

Platelets can be donated more frequently than whole blood because no red cells are taken, so iron levels are not affected.

But not everybody who is a blood donor can give platelets.

Men often make more suitable donors as they have a larger volume of blood and generally bigger veins - of current blood donors about 50% of males would be suitable to donate platelets and about 20-25% of females.

During the process donors are linked to a machine which takes their blood and separates the platelets. These are collected while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor.

One donation collected by this method can provide two or three therapeutic platelet doses.

Platelet donors are encouraged to donate regularly, on average ten times a year.

They must be aged between 18 and 60, and have given at least one donation of whole blood.

Dr Sheila MacLennan, Clinical Director, NHS Blood and Transplant, said that over the Christmas and New Year period stocks are desperately needed, particularly of platelets, which have a short life.
"Platelets are a very small blood cell but are a very vital blood cell as they are used for very sick patients. They play a vital part in helping blood to clot.

"The platelets only last five day. Over bank holidays we do have extra sessions, but they do take out the production capacity, and we don't run all the sessions we would.

"So we really need to remind donors to continue to replenish our stock because the patients don't stop needing them because it is a bank holiday."

Read a personal story about platelet giving here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7758706.stm

and another here http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bonemarrowdonorsupport.com/journal/platelets.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bonemarrowdonorsupport.com/journal/marianne_platelets.htm&usg=__7Xh_XBS57uRNpvR2pOYsRXQO9iY=&h=1188&w=900&sz=204&hl=en&start=19&um=1&tbnid=X7_x6HgwbAe7YM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=114&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dplatelets%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.pennhealth.com/health_info/images/19432.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.pennhealth.com/health_info/bloodless/000202.html&usg=__4mnKl4km73MOmosMyXBa1XrMoD4=&h=320&w=400&sz=11&hl=en&start=26&um=1&tbnid=vbfBYpLkMT3eDM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dplatelets%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mybloodyourblood.org/images/content_area/b_platelets_01.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mybloodyourblood.org/biology_platelets.htm&usg=__i8ltbwL65xwXHe3uzy7ltcBuNhI=&h=260&w=324&sz=9&hl=en&start=24&um=1&tbnid=cPyen2yhbGfvpM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=118&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dplatelets%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

Or talk to Anthony Booth, Bridgnorth ASM, who has given blood for many years and platelets for several years.

http://www.blood.co.uk/pages/platelets.html

http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/

Soon be Santa

2008-12-01T18:16:00.002Z

Yes, you're going to get lots of silly pictures as we head for the opening of Santa's Grotto, and back to Arley.

So far, according to the SVR main website, the 10.45 and 11.15 trains are full on Saturday, and the 10.15, 10.45, 11.15, 11.45 and 12.15 trains are full on Sunday. Will find out more detailed figures for tomorrow.

Arley platform will have four Bridgnorth-ites in service on Saturday - Chris, Robert, John and Ken; and Adam and Oliver are elfing for Santa keeping his pressie pile stocked up.

It's the first time for Oliver, and the first time in uniform for Chris, having graduated from Apprentice animal costumes. Let's hope they have a great time.

Weather for Bewdley for Friday is sunny intervals and 7C - let's hope it lasts to the weekend.

ECS staff train from Bridgnorth awaits your company on Saturday morning - get your cuppa from the buffet before boarding for the 9.25 departure.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Boiler

2008-11-27T11:13:00.000Z

The `laws' applying to locomotive boilers have always been somewhat sparse, Factory Acts do not apply, but the Railway Inspectorate, who control the activities of most railways, require that all boilers are properly examined and maintained, and that they have proper insurance. The all embracing Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 imposes many liabilities and responsibilities on any employer or operator of virtually anything, and can be certain to catch anyone who does not operate and maintain a boiler properly so that an accident occurs.

The main Regulation affecting boilers and their inspection is The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000. Unfortunately I do not as yet have details of these new regulations, so the following details of the older Pressure Vessels and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations, 1989 No 2169. will remain available for now but please treat these as guidelines and obtain a copy of the new regulations.
Section 4(2) states that the pressure system shall be properly designed and properly constructed from suitable material so as to prevent danger.

Section 4(5) states that the pressure system shall be provided with such protective devices as may be necessary for preventing danger, i.e. boilers must have adequate safety valves to prevent excess pressure building up. Although these regulations refer to mobile systems, this term does not include locomotives.

Section 5. Suppliers and manufacturers, also anyone modifying or repairing any boiler, shall provide written information concerning design, construction, examiniation, operation and maintenance as may reasonably be required for these regulations to be complied with. These people shall ensure that the following information is indelibly marked on the boiler or a plate attached to it: Manufacturers name, date of manufacture, standard to which vessel was built, Maximum pressure of the vessel, the design temperature.

Section 8. The user shall not operate the system unless he has a written scheme for the periodic examination by a competent person of protective devices and the pressure vessel itself., and any parts of the pipework in which a defect may give rise to danger. A competent person is one who has knowledge of the pressure system, normally the boiler inspector. This written scheme will specify the nature and frequency of examination, and will specify any special measures necessary to prepare the pressure system for safe examination other than those it would be reasonable to expect the user to take.

Section 9. Covers the preparation and submission of reports by inspectors, including specification of repairs (if any) required to be done. The Health and Safety Booklet Locomotive Boilers HS(G)29 is a revision of one in which AIR and ARPS (now merged as HRA) were involved in preparation several years ago. Its purpose is to provide guidance on the practical applications of Regulations made under the H.& S.W. Act of 1974.

This booklet gives emphasis on the importance of examination, testing, repair and maintenance of boilers being carried out to an adequate standard, which in turn requires the choice of suitable persons both to carry out and supervise these functions, and this includes keeping records of steaming times, examinations, repairs and maintenance, including washing out. For this purpose Responsible Person(s) should be properly appointed within each organisation, who should not only have knowledge of locomotive boilers, but also authority regarding their use; he must if necessary prohibit the use, even raising of steam, in any boiler if there is any doubt as to its safety.

The importance of the competent persons - boiler inspectors - having experience of locomotive type boilers is very much stressed, and the choice of insurance company may be dictated by the organisation's experience in locomotive boiler examination.

Examinations by the competent person will normally be made on completion of a new boiler, with a hydraulic test followed by a further examination the first time the boiler is steamed. Further thorough examinations should be made within 14 months, i.e. every year, with a cold examination internally and externally as far as can be made accessible, followed by an examination in steam. The competent person may also need to make similar examinations after any major repairs have been carried out on the boiler, at his discretion.

Engines working on the National Network are required to have their boilers lifted from the frames, all lagging stripped off, all tubes and superheater flues, as well as all boiler fittings, removed for thorough examination internally as well as externally every seven years. For engines working only on independant railways this may be extended to ten years; in very exceptional circumstances this may be extended further at the discretion of the competent person.

Suitably experienced staff, appointed by the responsible person, are also required to inspect boilers internally and externally before and after wash out and also before bringing into use a boiler which has been laid up for a period during the currency of the certificate.

Water is a corrosive substance in conjunction with steel, also steel, copper and water form an elemental electric cell, leading to local corrosion. The purer mountain waters are often acidic, and therefore more corrosive than the hard waters, the dissolved substances of which deposit onto the tubes and plates, leading to them overheating and burning, and which have to be removed, often by mechanical means, at wash out. To avoid these problems water needs to be treated, exactly how should be researched by a water treatment chemist, preferably not from a water treatment firm who will be wanting to sell their products.

Whilst tubes and flues can be recycled, it is better that they are worn out before they are removed when this becomes necessary.

A boiler is a very difficult thing to fully preserve; it needs to be completely dried out internally and externally, and then kept warm and dry, e.g. in a heated museum or a desert. Boilers left out of doors with water in them between use, are corroding away, and modern day usage with occasional steaming is the worst possible treatment, as continual heating up and cooling down stresses parts tending to cause fractures. Most of the boilers in use today are old, the material far beyond the age of anything that would have been in commercial service.

Boilers wear from erosion from the ash etc, as well as burning from the flames of the fire. Wet ashes in a smokebox, and water left in the bottom of a barrel or firebox can cause bad corrosion and thinning of plates. Modern welding methods of both steel and copper enable new sections of plate to be welded in, or local areas just to be built up.

In the end, the economics of major and expensive patching up of old boilers must be considered against that of building a completely new boiler, many small boilers are now being built new.

Photos from http://www.2857.org.uk/2857_28xx_news_2005.html

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk

tunnel

2008-11-26T20:57:00.000Z

British Railways had already informed the Society in July 1965 that the bridge over Hollybush Road would be removed shortly and as an exercise for the working parties it was decided to recover ballast in Bridgnorth tunnel, with BR's permission.

Bridgnorth station was not the northern terminus when built, but the main intermediate station of the Severn Valley line being 18¼ miles from Hartlebury and 22½ miles from Shrewsbury.

Bridgnorth station was opened to the public on 1 February 1862, promting great celebrations in the town. Originally under SVR Company ownership, it was passed to Great Western Railway (GWR), and eventually British Railways in 1948.

It closed to passengers after 101 years on 8 September 1963, and to freight traffic on 30 November 1963.

The line now ends just after the modern-day station, where the line would formerly have gone through Bridgnorth Tunnel and on to the next station on the line, Coalport.

The Railwayman's Arms is situated at the SVR station and never closed, and thus became popular with preservationists.

After only two years preservationists had plans for Bridgnorth, resulting in the formation of the Severn Valley Railway Society. Vegetation was cleared, railway bric-a-brac was collected and the station buildings were refurbished. Bridgnorth station was fortunately never damaged through demolition activity. From then on preservation gained momentum until the present day.

Bridgnorth became the engineering centre of the new SVR because of the need to repair the growing numbers of rolling stock and locomotives after opening to the public when the first train steamed from Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade in May 1970.

The station is reached from High Town via a footbridge over a main road and a valley, the present bridge having opened in 1994.

The main locomotive works for the SVR are located at Bridgnorth. It is not normally open to the public because of health and safety regulations but conducted tours and open days are arranged from time to time. Major features of the locomotive works include the Boiler Shop equipped with a Noble and Lunn wheel lathe and ex-LT lifting jacks amongst other equiptment.

Cliff Railway

2008-11-25T12:23:00.000Z

In 1890 a public meeting was called to discuss a new means of communication between the High Town and Low Town of Bridgnorth, avoiding the need to scale the 200 plus steps. The meeting was reported in the local press, and the matter came to the attention of Mr. G. Croydon Marks. Mr. Croydon Marks and Mr. George Newnes, M.P. subsequently laid a proposal before the town council for the erection of a Patent Cliff Railway, or inclined lift. Plans were finally accepted for a route from the bottom of the Stoneway Steps to the end of the Castle Walk and consequently a company entitled The Bridgnorth Castle Hill Railway Company Ltd was registered in 1891.

The original patented design of the railway was for a single track with two cars, with a crossing point mid way between top and bottom, but this was abandoned in favour of a double track. When finished, the track measured 201 ft long, with a vertical rise of 111ft. This gave the railway an incline of 33°, the steepest in England.

The railway opened on 7th July 1892. The ceremony was performed by the Mayor, and in celebration the local townspeople enjoyed a public holiday. Between July and September 1892 over 50,000 passengers used the railway. The railway ran continuously for the next 41 years, until April 1933. In May 1934 it was reopened by new shareholders.

Bridgnorth's Cliff Railway is open all year round (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day) and costs just one pound for a return journey. It's open 8am (Sunday 12noon) to 8pm in summer and 8am (Sunday 12noon) to 6.30pm in winter.

It's suitable for ambulant disabled (though sadly it's not wheelchair accessible), and help is given with folding wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Santa's nearly here

2008-11-24T12:09:00.000Z

So, just one weekend to go before we shut up shop at Bridgnorth and decamp to Arley for three weekends of festive cheer, twinkling lights, excited children, live music, and keeping the pressie boxes filled.

It's a wonderful place to be - constant action, movement, sounds, and an enormous contrast to the now-rather-dreary, end-of-season, diminished timetable that we've had to conclude on, with trains running semi-fast to Bewdley, calling at Hampton Loade and Arley, and who's going for the next cup of tea to keep us warm.

The fast-paced half-hourly service of santa trains will actually be a pleasant lift after the last few weeks, and there's still time to chat, drink cup-a-soup in the pway hut, and clap to the band, in between the vital jobs of filling-and-refilling the postbags with pressies, 'elfing' along the grotto(s), and moving passengers along the queuing marquee, platform and bridge.

If you haven't already signed up, there's still time - a variety of jobs, good conditions, good fun, lots of laughs, and a great way to share the festive spirit with fellow volunteers - dozens of them.

Email mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk if you've not yet committed..

7511 - wow, look at you now

2008-11-21T11:55:00.000Z

7511 was one of the earliest Stanier period vehicles, from 1934.

Many of its fittings hark back to Period I and Period II influences of the 1920s, and the brasswork on these doors are a fine example. The south lavatory sports a decorated set of locks and handles from 7511's surviving toilet door, while the north end has a plain set of identical size that survived from 7571 of 1935.

Another feature that continued through several decades was the carpet. Reproduction carpet (made in Kidderminster, of course) has been laid during November. It has been painstakingly designed from photographs of corridor vestibule coaches and is as accurate as we can possibly get it.

With the carpets installed, we will shortly be able to fit the tables. These have been receiving a lot of attention from carpenters Dave Dorney and Ron White at Bridgnorth, while at Kidderminster, our table-top expert David Higgins has been fitting the green leather cloth to the centre panels.
A sample of a rich red curtain fabrichas been trialled with the carpets and a table in-situ, to the satisfaction of all those who viewed it.

Externally, the coach roof is now in its final coat of silvery grey. Gangways and end panels are also in final gloss; black for ironwork, and crimson lake for the body panels, which are also varnished over now.

The lamps for the tables have been completed by volunteers at Kidderminster: Geoff Leigh, machining; 'Cutnall Green Fred' on soldering; and David Fort, polishing and wiring up. These have all been securely installed onto the window sills of 7511 in the manner that restaurant department Open Firsts were treated by the LMS. (Ordinary non-dining Open Firsts had a candle-stick type lamp that actually stood on the tables).

The lamp shades continue to develop slowly. Twelve panels of white acrylic, stitched with brass wire to a skeletal frame, make up each shade; representing about ten hours work for each shade - if you don't make any mistakes and have to start again.

A batch of correct-pattern LMS style No Smoking totem transfers have been fitted on 7511's main windows, fourteen in all, and the second original litter bin from 7571, with LMSR monogram, has been found at last, and installed in the north lavatory.

So what's still to do?

Lamp shades, brass feet for table legs, shaping the table leg ends to take the feet, fitting the green cloth covered panels into the table frames, make 28 curtain tie back brackets in brass, sew 14 pairs of curtains and tie back tags.

Somewhere half-way through this list, we will be able to send the coach to Kidderminster for bogies, brakes and steam testing, after Christmas, then paint, line and letter the sides - with lots of gold leaf.

The railway books on sale in the marquee are a very small part of the fundraising which has enabled this glorious transformation. As one of the 'tenants' of the original 'Gilt Edge' sleeper coach, I look forward to a far more comfortable journey in this beautiful coach on its outshopping.

Signals

2008-11-20T13:13:00.000Z

The line north of Alveley was closed by BR in 1963 and the Severn Valley Railway Company was formed on 25 March 1967.

Although trains had been run for 'day members' on open weekends in 1968, the first Light Railway Order was granted in November 1969.

The Alveley-Bridgnorth section was purchased and a second LRO granted on 20 May 1970 when passenger services to Hampton Loade commenced.

The signal box was built on the base of the 1923 box and incorporated a GW 3-bar VT frame ex Windmill End Junction. In 1970 pointwork at the north end of the station was connected and erection of signals commenced. In 1971 the down home signal was brought into use and the down yard ground frame commissioned.

Installation of mechanical locking proceeded in 1972 and by then all pointwork (excluding the slip at the south end of the yard) was connected. On 2 June 1973 token working to Hampton Loade was introduced, working prior to this being by one engine in steam between Bridgnorth and Alveley. In 1974 the Down Inner Home bracket signal was commissioned.

Track alterations were carried out in 1976 including extensive resignalling, alteration to the yard connections and track circuiting of the platform roads. The box was closed on 25 September 1977 and the token instruments moved into the SMO. The box was recommissioned on 6 August 1978.

The platform 2 starting signal was erected on 17 February 1980 such that all passenger movements were then under fixed signals. A new platform 1 starting signal was erected in 1980 following the platform extension, and resignalling was completed in 1982 with the commissioning of numbers 21 and 24 signals, by which time the bypass bridge had been constructed.

A 'right away' indicator was added in 1986 and the Up Advanced Starting signal was repositioned in 1992.

Remember..?

"It started in a small way on 17th June 2007 when we were working on Bridgnorth's Down Home Signal which had been giving some trouble - a minor job - and we noticed that a small slip had occurred in the ground at the south end of Oldbury viaduct. A crack about an eighth of an inch wide and a few feet long had opened up alongside the cable troughing. This was a taste of things to come and the later events were to make the term 'tension cracks', along with its symptoms, much more familiar - at that time however, it was (to us) an unknown phenomenon.

After working Bewdley North on 19th June I noticed that the rain on my journey home to Bristol had been heavier than normal and when the dust had settled the next day, we realised that the Bridgnorth Down Home Signal had been left perched high and dry as the surrounding ballast had been washed away. Something major had happened at Highley where a lot of our equipment simply fell into a new hole, including the Up Starting Signal. The damage that we gradually uncovered was to take us the next nine months to get to a stage where trains could resume running - once the engineering contractors had provided some ground into which we could place our equipment.

At Bridgnorth the Down Home Signal had to be removed to allow repairs and the cable from there to the Down Distant was severed and damaged by the work to repair the embankment where it passed behind the industrial estate at Knowlesands. This alone would be a major task for the Department - replacing the signal, signal post telephone, reinstaing the location cupboard, laying troughing to the berth track location and removing and replacing an underground signalling cable from there to the Down Distant, some thousand yards or so. We also took the opportunity to refurbish and repaint the Down Distant.

An underground armoured signalling cable extends for the whole length of the railway, apart from a short length at Bridgnorth where the original pole route remains in use. This cable carries the token circuits as well as local circuits for such things as signal lamps and signal post telephones. It also carries the omnibus telephone circuit and a few selected automatic extensions and lineside emergency telephones. Replacement of this cable has therefore been the single item that has taken up most of our time over the last nine months.

The main telephone circuits between Stations are now provided externally and as such calls are, in many cases, a charge to the railway. The service between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade was reinstated on 9 February 2008."

New volunteers are welcomed to the S&T - email mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk for details.

Track Safety

2008-11-19T17:17:00.000Z

Like these splendid gentlemen, to be qualified to be in charge of the platform for a train departure, you have to pass the Personal Track Safety examination. You can be extremely helpful as platform staff without the PTS, but it does give you an extra value - and greater awareness.

It's not difficult, but it is quite a useful bit of knowledge. Try it for yourself here; it's a multiple choice, 13 question list.

Q1. What is a running line?
A1. The main line
A2. The sidings
A3. All lines

Q2. When should you be on the running line?
A1. When taking a walk
A2. When your duties require you to
A3. When taking a photo

Q3. What should you wear when on or near a running line?
A1. Your overalls
A2. Your cap
A3. Your high visibility clothing

Q4. Who should authorise you to go on to a running line?
A1. Your supervisor
A2. The station master
A3. The cabin boy

Q5. What do you need to know before going on to a running line?
A1. What time to come back
A2. What direction and speed of the trains
A3. What engine is running

Q6. If you are in a gang with a lookout man appointed and he signals that a train is approaching, what should you do?
A1. Carry on working
A2. Get your camera out
A3. Raise your arm to acknowledge, and stand clear

Q7. Where is your place of safety?
A1. In the four foot
A2. In the six foot
A3. In the cess

Q8. When walking to your site of work along the line, where is a safe place to walk?
A1. In the four foot
A2. In the six foot
A3. In the cess

Q9. If a train is approaching at 20mph, how long does it take to travel a quarter of a mile?
A1. 15 seconds
A2. 45 seconds
A3. 35 seconds

Q10. If you are working on a running line without a lookout man being appointed, who is responsible for your safety?
A1. The oldest hand
A2. Yourself
A3. All for each other

Q11. During fog or falling snow, when should you go on to the running line?
A1. Only with a lookout man
A2. Never
A3. Only when the trains have been stopped for the work to be carried out

Q12. How near to the track should you or your tools be when a train is passing?
A1. 10ft (3m)
A2. 6'6" (2m)
A3. 3'3" (1m)

Q13. If you are on or near a running line, and an approaching train sounds its whistle, what do you do?
A1. Ignore it
A2. Raise your arm to acknowledge it
A3. Sit down on the bank

If you'd like your answers checked by the Bridgnorth ASM (with no obligation!), send them to the station website email mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk

Disabled visitors

2008-11-18T10:57:00.000Z

I have a blind friend, and a restricted-mobility friend, and a wheelchair-bound friend, and many variously-disabled acquaintances. Our wheelchair-bound friend made, with our guidance, a hugely-enjoyed visit to the railway with his wife on gala weekend. It is possible for visitors of just about any disability to enjoy a visit to our railway, by forward planning and prior arrangement.

http://www.disabledholidayinfo.org.uk/ironbrid.htm is a very helpful website with loads of info and links. SVR features fairly well, although it is not currently included in a linked site at http://www.wsr.org.uk/wheelchair/home.htm - we are, as we speak, putting that right!

So, what did the researcher say about us? "Also in the town [of Bridgnorth] is the Severn Valley Railway which has specially adapted carriages for wheelchairs and a disabled toilet on the train. The staff are on hand to offer assistance if required. There is a tearoom with a steeply ramped entrance and a shop at Bridgnorth station.

It takes about an hour and a quarter to travel the line from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster. There is a three quarter of an hour turn around at Kidderminster during which you can visit the small museum and have a cup of tea in the tea room there, before travelling back to Bridgnorth. It is necessary to contact the railway beforehand to check what time the adapted carriages are running, in order to avoid a long wait. There is disabled parking immediately outside the station ticket office.

The latest addition to the Severn Valley Railway is the new Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley. This can be reached from Highley station but please note until 2009 access for wheelchair users is via a very steep ramp at the end of the platform and across a crossing point on the line. The station staff will be pleased to assist you to negotiate this if requested.

The new facility is excellent and access to the exhibits is really good for those with limited mobility. Unlike many similar exhibitions visitors are encouraged to indulge in touching the trains which makes it excellent for those with visual impairment. Access to the cafe which serves meals and light snacks and also has an outside viewing area is via a lift to the first floor. There are several video shows in the centre but please note that the one at the far end of the centre has a display of fast moving images between showings and for those who might have a problem with this it would be best to wait away from the area until the commentary starts. The designated toilet is on the ground floor and there is also a small shop on site."

Fairly complimentary, eh? As it should be able to be - confinement to a wheelchair is not normally by choice, so the least we can do is make such visitors as welcome and comfortable as possible. To update some of the data in that report: we now have no less than four adapted carriages, with a fifth in the pipeline. The footbridge at Highley is scheduled for construction in January 2009.

So if you have disabled relatives and/friends - SVR is a great place to come!

Teens

2008-11-17T12:13:00.000Z

Why the long gap? 'Cos I forgot how to log in - sorry, will not happen again.

Anyway, we've had lots of fun on the station getting on with railings, refurbing cattle dock trackbed, sorting acquired timber, and so much more.

The magnificent bunch in the pic are our new dream team of teens - from left to right: Adam, 15, likes lighting fires, stoking fires, drinking tea and coffee, restoking fires, getting grubby, restoking fires, and maybe even eating before checking if the waiting room fire needs restoking.

Next to him is Chris, 14, our brilliant ex-Apprentices platform staff member, extremely responsible and sensible, don't think he's fussed about stoking fires (not that he'd get a look in), but very good at helping passengers - and we hope he'll join us for Santa trains at Arley (when there are no trains at Bridgnorth).

Carrot-top Richard is also 14, and quite a contrast to Chris. He's a bundle of fun and enthusiasm, with us for his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and is like Adam's twin in personality. Double-trouble! But they are being a fantastic help to our 'oldies' in the Wailing Wall Construction Company, and with chipping the railings, and of course stoking the fire in the waiting room. Oh, and eating. We're delighted he wants to stick with us after his DoE, 'cos we love having him.

Far right is Oliver, 16, and more like Chris in personality - quiet and sensible, and very very keen. Spent his 16th birthday at the MPD - as the first day he was officially qualified to - having a shower - a cold shower... Now he's on the roster and so happy in his job. Well thought of and greatly liked. And we hope he, too, will join us at Arley to help Santa, when he's not booked in the shed.

These four lads are soooo keen, it's great to have them here.

And you can see them again at http://www.svr-vlo.org.uk/14-16.htm on the VLO page for 14-16 year old prospective volunteers - [thanks, Paul].

Welcome

2008-10-28T17:04:00.000Z

Welcome to the new blog for Bridgnorth Station, the spiritual home of the Severn Valley Railway in Shropshire, England.

Visit to read about the happenings on the station, and the progress made by volunteers on restoration, maintenance, improvement, and primarily enjoying our free time at the best station on the Valley (not that we're biased).

So to an appraisal of where we're at now.

Lighting: eight new lamp posts have been erected on platform 1. These still need their half harp tops, which we have made in-house, and luminaires, which are on order, to complete. Not only will they look good, we'll be able to see where we are going, too.

Duncan provided us with two photographs, which purported to show a GW streamlined diesel railcare at platform 1, but if you ignored that and looked beyond, there were a pair of very attractive corner brackets and luminaires, one each end of the canopy - so we propose to reinstate those, too.

There were originally seven of these around the station, but we've spent all available cash for now. These luminaires aren't cheap - 600 pounds each - but if anyone would like to sponsor some more, we'd be delighted.

Fences: the metal-peckers are still at it, chipping hammers to the fore, removing old paint from platform 1 railings. We have a new local volunteer here - welcome, Alan, who plans to bring a bit of naval quality to the work. Must make sure they don't end up in Dark Admiralty Grey. We have also to make up one and a half ramped sections of railing for the platform entrance to the beer garden, and that's in hand too.

Benches: another never-ending task, this. People sitting on them isn't a problem, but the weather is, this year's summer having not helped at all. We are steadily dismantling benches, one at a time, replacing rotten timber with new, and painting as required. They look good when finished, but all the layers of paint take some time.

We've got extra help here, too, from Richard, our DofE student. Don't tell the Duke, but we plan to keep him afterwards, as he's keen as mustard on steam in general and the SVR in particular. It's nice to see young faces, especially now there's three of them on the station.

Station canopy: oh dear, here's another big job to tackle next year, which needs to include replacing the main front timbers and re-securing the glass. Big job, which will repay careful planning.

Talking of repaying, we are into energy efficiency, too. The staff shower room has been refurbished complete with a new ceiling and eight inches of insulation above. We've halved the heating and the room is warmer. We'll use energy-efficient bulbs in our new lights, too, though you won't see them. Next in line here are improvements to the station heating system, again to reduce energy consumption while retaining warmth. Contrary to rumours, we won't be lighting the offices by our halos - we're not quite that good!

If you'd like to join us...

apart from physical work, of which there is always plenty, we need information about the station in its early years, from cutting the first sod, right through to closure by BR. We have plenty of data on the preservation era. All this is for the platform 2 waiting room. Old photographs, etchings, engravings, would be especially welcome; if we can scan them, they will then be returned. Not just trains, either. Who ran the station, who worked here? Photos of staff, details of their service, etc, would be very much valued.